- 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 16,884 students (31% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 41:1 is higher than the state community college average of 37:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 55%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 16,884 students
- In-state tuition: $185
- Out-state tuition: $385
- Student-teacher ratio: 41:1
- Minority enrollment: 57%
- 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 413 teachers has declined by 63% over five years.
Tidewater Community College
(VA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private, non-profit
Year Founded
1968
Total Faculty
413 staff
39 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Tidewater Community College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 41:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Tidewater Community College diversity score of 0.71 is less than the state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
16,884 students
1,380 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
41:1
37:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
5,197 students
585 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
11,687 students
795 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
16,884 students
924 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,197 students
415 students
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
11,687 students
795 students
% Asian
5%
8%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
11%
14%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Black
29%
22%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
43%
45%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
7%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.72
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
28%
42%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,400
$29,700
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $185 is less than the state average of $3,581. 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 $8,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$185
$3,581
Out-State Tuition Fees
$385
$8,577
Tuition Notes
TCC's 2019 in-state tuition rate is $185.35/credit hour.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
66%
86%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,800
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Sports
School Mascot
Stormbird
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- 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.
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.
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.
Recent Articles
Required Course Full? Avoid Community College Degree Delays
Learn how a full required course can delay graduation, how to navigate waitlists, and how to find approved alternatives that protect your community college degree timeline and financial aid eligibility.
Catalog-Year Rules: Community College Graduation Requirements
Understand how catalog years determine community college graduation requirements, how enrollment breaks and major changes affect eligibility, and what to verify before choosing courses or switching to a newer catalog.
What If Your Community College Program Closes?
Learn what happens when your community college discontinues your program before graduation, including teach-out options, credit transfers, financial aid implications, student protections, and practical steps to finish your degree successfully.
