- Founded in 1968 as a part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) serves South Hampton Roads with 4 campuses in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach and 7 regional centers. The college also boasts 2 important cultural institutions. During the 2017-18 academic year, nearly 1 in 5 recent high school graduates made TCC their "school of choice." The college has 13 nationally accredited academic programs.
School Highlights
Tidewater Community College serves 23,433 students (27% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 21:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 23,433 students
- In-state tuition: $185
- Out-state tuition: $385
- Student:teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 55%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Tidewater Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,135 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Tidewater Community College
(VA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/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
1,135 staff
129 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Tidewater Community College has grown by 22% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 15:1 over five years.
The Tidewater Community College diversity score of 0.70 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
23,433 students
1,608 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
21:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
6,249 students
637 students
# Part-Time Students
17,184 students
971 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
234 students
314 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,249 students
611 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
158 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17,184 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
5%
8%
% Hispanic
10%
13%
% Black
29%
21%
% White
45%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
7%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.70
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)
$33,400
$29,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $185 is less than the state average of $3,748. The in-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $385 is less than the state average of $8,977. The out-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$185
$3,748
Out-State Tuition Fees
$385
$8,977
Tuition Notes
TCC's 2019 in-state tuition rate is $185.35/credit hour.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
61%
77%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,800
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
59%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Stormbird
- TCC has awide variety of programs, from the academic disciplines to skilled trades to professional specialties. Many of our students go on to 4-year colleges and universities, and many more complete degrees and certificates that help lead them to rewarding careers in in-demand fields. TCC is regionally accredited by theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Collegesto award the associate degree.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Doe, Notable Author -
- Jane Smith, Award-winning Scientist -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Tidewater Community College cost?
Tidewater Community College's tuition is approximately $185 for In-State students and $385 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from Tidewater Community College?
Tidewater Community College famous alumni include: John Doe, Notable Author and Jane Smith, Award-winning Scientist.
What is Tidewater Community College's ranking?
Tidewater Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Virginia for: Diversity in US community colleges and Largest student body.
In what neighborhood is Tidewater Community College located?
Tidewater Community College is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Norfolk, VA.
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