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 8,097 students (23% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 53%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 8,097 students
In-state tuition: $4,174
Out-state tuition: $9,624
Student:teacher ratio: 24:1
Minority enrollment: 31%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Virginia Western Community College has grown by 28% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 24:1 has increased from 17:1 over five years.
The Virginia Western Community College diversity score of 0.50 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 18% over five years.
Total Enrollment
8,097 students
1,350 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
24:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
1,837 students
637 students
# Part-Time Students
6,260 students
971 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
809 students
314 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,837 students
611 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
158 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
n/a
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
4%
8%
% Hispanic
7%
13%
% Black
11%
21%
% White
69%
47%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
5%
% Non Resident races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.50
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3292%
0.4094%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.264%
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 $3,748. 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 $8,977. The out-state tuition has declined by 15% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,174
$3,748
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,624
$8,977
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
80%
78%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$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 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?
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 8,097 students
In-state tuition: $4,174
Out-state tuition: $9,624
Student:teacher ratio: 24:1
Minority enrollment: 31%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
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 $15,590 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
