Central Virginia Community College

3506 Wards Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Top Ranked (2025-26): View Rankings
  • Central Virginia Community College, a two-year institution established as a member of the Virginia Community College System, provides State-supported educational facilities beyond the high school level for the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell. The curricula and programs of the College serve more than 228,000 people within this geographical jurisdiction.

School Highlights

Central Virginia Community College serves 4,434 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 53%.

Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Enrollment: 4,434 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,248
  • Out-state tuition: $10,068
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
  • Minority enrollment: 36%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Central Virginia Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

The teacher population of 234 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Central Virginia Community College
(VA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
234 staff
129 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Central Virginia Community College has grown by 16% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Central Virginia Community College diversity score of 0.55 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 15% over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,434 students
1,608 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
1,150 students
637 students
# Part-Time Students
3,284 students
971 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
443 students
314 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,150 students
611 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
158 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,284 students
971 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
61 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
476 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
2%
8%
% Hispanic
5%
13%
% Black
18%
21%
% White
64%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.55
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
28%
41%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,400
$29,600

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $4,248 is more than the state average of $3,748. The in-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $10,068 is more than the state average of $8,977. The out-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,248
$3,748
Out-State Tuition Fees
$10,068
$8,977
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
77%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,515
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,200
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
65%
59%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Early in 1965, a local committee was formed to investigate the needs and feasibility of a community college for the Central Virginia region; and in July, 1966, the State Board for Community Colleges selected Central Virginia as a community college location to serve the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell. The site selected, where Central Virginia Community College presently stands, was approved by the State and Local Boards because of its geographic center to the service area's population and accessibility to all major highways in the area. With academic excellence its aim in all areas, the College offers various programs to meet the diverse needs of the region it serves. Its two-year college transfer programs in arts and sciences and in certain pre-professional areas lead to associate degrees and offer courses generally acceptable for transfer to four-year institutions. Its occupational and technical programs lead to diplomas, certificates, or associate of applied science degrees and are designed to prepare individuals for certain professions. Its other programs, including developmental work, special training for industry, and community service, offer instruction commensurate with the needs of individuals, groups or the area at large.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Central Virginia Community College cost?
Central Virginia Community College's tuition is approximately $4,248 for In-State students and $10,068 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Central Virginia Community College?
The acceptance rate of Central Virginia Community College is 65%, which is higher than the state average of 59%.
What is Central Virginia Community College's ranking?
Central Virginia Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Virginia for: Least debt for graduating students.

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Quick Facts (2025-26)

  • Enrollment: 4,434 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,248
  • Out-state tuition: $10,068
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
  • Minority enrollment: 36%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Virginia public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,748 per year for in-state students and $8,977 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $15,536 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Virginia is 60%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Virginia community colleges have a diversity score of 0.71, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Virginia is Northern Virginia Community College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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