Virginia Western Community College

3094 Colonial Ave
Roanoke, VA 24015
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • The mission of Virginia Western Community College is to provide comprehensive higher education and workforce training programs and services of superior quality that are affordable and accessible and that meet individual, business, and community needs in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.Virginia Western endeavors to fulfill this mission by fostering the belief that all people should have an equal opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge, and values. The College promotes this concept by making quality higher education available through its open door admission policy, affordable tuition, financial assistance, and student support services.

School Highlights

Virginia Western Community College serves 6,332 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 46:1 is higher than the state community college average of 37:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 55%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 6,332 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,174
  • Out-state tuition: $9,624
  • Student-teacher ratio: 46:1
  • Minority enrollment: 33%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
Affordability
Community Size

School Overview

The teacher population of 139 teachers has declined by 58% over five years.
Virginia Western 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
1966
Campus Size
70 acres
Total Faculty
139 staff
39 staff
School Calendar
School Motto
Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities

Student Body

The student population of Virginia Western Community College has grown by 10% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 46:1 has increased from 19:1 over five years.
The Virginia Western Community College diversity score of 0.52 is less than the state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has grown by 48% over five years.
Total Enrollment
6,332 students
1,380 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
46:1
37:1
# Full-Time Students
1,660 students
585 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
4,672 students
795 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
6,332 students
924 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,660 students
415 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,672 students
795 students
% Asian
4%
8%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Hispanic
8%
14%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Black
12%
22%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
67%
45%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
5%
5%
% Non Resident races
2%
2%
% Unknown races
2%
4%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.72

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
42%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,400
$29,700

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $4,174 is more than the state average of $3,581. The in-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,624 is more than the state average of $8,577. The out-state tuition has declined by 15% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,174
$3,581
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,624
$8,577
Tuition Notes
$179.99 per credit hour for Virginia residents; $394.59 per credit hour for non-Virginia residents.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
79%
86%

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$10,500

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Sports

Colors
Virginia Western Gold and Blue
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Virginia Western Community College is a two-year public institution of higher education operating under a statewide system of community colleges. The College operates under the policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and the Virginia Western Community College Board. The service region of the College includes Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke County, Craig County, southern Botetourt County, and northern Franklin County. Day, evening, and weekend classes are provided on a 70-acre campus located in Southwest Roanoke. Classes are also offered at off-campus locations in the area. The College was established in 1966 and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current enrollment of over 9,000. Virginia Western provides an extensive schedule of course offerings and programs to serve the diverse needs of students, including Associate Degree programs to prepare individuals for transfer as upper-division students to baccalaureate degree programs in four-year colleges and universities, Associate Degree programs to prepare individuals for careers as technical and paraprofessional workers and Certificate and Career Studies programs, which prepare individuals for careers as technicians, skilled, and semi-skilled workers. Virginia Western Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Virginia Western Community College cost?
Virginia Western Community College's tuition is approximately $4,174 for In-State students and $9,624 for Out-State students.
What is Virginia Western Community College's ranking?
Virginia Western Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Virginia for: Least expensive tuition and Largest student body.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 6,332 students
  • In-state tuition: $4,174
  • Out-state tuition: $9,624
  • Student-teacher ratio: 46:1
  • Minority enrollment: 33%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Virginia public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,581 per year for in-state students and $8,577 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 71%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Virginia community colleges have a diversity score of 0.72, 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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