- 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 5,738 students (29% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is same as the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 5,738 students
- In-state tuition: $4,174
- Out-state tuition: $9,624
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Minority enrollment: 20%
- 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
School Overview
The teacher population of 332 teachers has grown by 83% over five years.
Virginia Western Community College
(VA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
332 staff
129 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Virginia Western Community College has declined by 21% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has decreased from 19:1 over five years.
The Virginia Western Community College diversity score of 0.35 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has declined by 15% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,738 students
2,086 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
17:1

# Full-Time Students
1,654 students
843 students

# Part-Time Students
4,084 students
1,243 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
354 students
232 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,654 students
802 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
169 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
1,243 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
20 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
476 students
% Asian
4%
7%

% Hispanic
4%
12%

% Black
8%
21%

% White
80%
52%

% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a

% Two or more races
3%
4%

% Non Resident races
n/a
2%

% Unknown races
1%
2%


Diversity Score
0.35
0.66

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
35%
38%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.19%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,400
$29,600

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,174 is more than the state average of $3,736. The in-state tuition has declined by 20% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,624 is more than the state average of $8,977. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,174
$3,736

Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,624
$8,977

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
84%
85%

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

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

Acceptance Rate
n/a
71%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
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.
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