Virginia offers an impressive range of community colleges, each with its own unique strengths and programs. From aerospace engineering to veterinary technology, these schools offer something for everyone.
In addition to a wide range of program options, many Virginia community colleges also provide on-campus living, multiple student activities, and small class sizes.
Deciding which school is right for you can be tricky, but the following list will help make the decision a little bit easier. These ten schools are some of the best community colleges in Virginia.
What are Community Colleges in Virginia?
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) defines a community college as “an institution of higher education, other than a four-year institution, established primarily to offer educational and training programs that are below the baccalaureate degree level.
So in other words, community colleges in Virginia are schools that provide students with Associate’s degrees and certification programs in a variety of vocational and technical fields.
Many students attend community colleges for two years prior to transferring to a four-year university, while others use them as a stepping stone to directly enter the workforce.
There are many different community colleges in Virginia, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important for students to do their research before choosing one.
Requirements for Community College in Virginia
Community colleges in Virginia offer a variety of degree and certificate programs that can lead to a successful career. There are no specific requirements for community colleges, but most require students to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
However, some community colleges may also require students to take a placement test to determine their level of readiness for college-level coursework.
There are 23 community colleges in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each one has its own set of admission requirements, but all share the common goal of providing quality education and training programs.
Choosing a Community College
When it comes time to choose a community college, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important factor is finding a school that fits your budget.
Other factors to consider include location, campus size, and the number of programs and courses offered.
Another important thing to keep in mind is accreditation. Make sure the school you choose is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges. This will ensure that your credits will be accepted by other universities if you decide to transfer later on.
The State Council of Higher Education administers community colleges in Virginia for Virginia (SCHEV), which is a public university system that oversees all higher education institutions in the state.
10 Community Colleges in Virginia for Students
Community colleges offer a great education at a fraction of the cost of traditional four-year universities. They also provide students with the opportunity to gain work experience and explore different fields of study. There are many excellent community colleges in Virginia. Here are ten of the best:
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Blue Ridge Community College
- Central Virginia Community College
- Danville Community College
- Germanna Community College
- John Tyler Community College
- Lord Fairfax Community College
- J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
- Patrick Henry Community College
- Paul D. Camp
1. Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is one of the largest community colleges in Virginia. With five campuses and more than 70,000 students, NOVA serves students living in some of the most populous areas of the Commonwealth.
Founded in 1970, NOVA offers associate’s degrees and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines.
NOVA has emerged as a national leader in workforce development, with more than 85 percent of its graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. The college has also been recognized for
its strong transfer pathways to four-year institutions, with nearly 60 percent of students transferring to a four-year school.
NOVA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Blue Ridge Community College
Located in Weyers Cave, Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year institution that offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs. The college has a strong focus on STEM education, and its faculty are experienced professionals in their fields.
In addition to its main campus, Blue Ridge Community College also operates a satellite campus in Staunton.
3. Central Virginia Community College
Central Virginia Community College is located in Lynchburg and serves more than 10,000 students each year. The college offers more than 200 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as online courses. CVCC is known for its strong business and nursing programs.
4. Danville Community College
Danville Community College, located in Danville, Virginia, is a two-year public institution of higher education. The college offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs in a variety of disciplines. DCC has been in operation since 1970.
The college has a current enrollment of more than 4,000 students. DCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees and certificates. The college offers several online degree and certificate programs.
5. Germanna Community College
Germanna Community College is one of the most affordable community colleges. The average tuition and fees for in-state students at Fredericksburg, Virginia’s Germanna Community College, is $3,630, making it one of the most affordable community colleges in the country.
6. John Tyler Community College
John Tyler Community College (JTCC) is a community college located in Chesterfield County, Virginia. As of the Fall 2017 semester, JTCC has an enrollment of over 15,000 students.
The college offers associate’s degrees and certificates in more than 150 programs of study. John Tyler Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
The college also has accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association for its dental hygiene program. The main campus is located in Chester.
7. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is a two-year institution located in Richmond, Virginia. It offers associate’s degrees and certificates in over 60 programs of study.
The college also has a continuing education division that offers non-credit courses, workforce development training, and corporate training. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College was founded in 1964 as the Richmond Vocational-Technical School.
In 1992, the school became a community college and changed its name to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. The college has three campuses: the Main Campus, the Parham Road Campus, and the Short Pump.
8. Lord Fairfax Community College
Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) is a comprehensive, public two-year institution of higher education serving the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, and Prince William in Virginia.
LFCC offers associate degrees and certificates in more than 70 areas of study. LFCC also serves as a regional center for workforce development, offering customized training and continuing education programs for business and industry.
9. Patrick Henry Community College
Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) is a community college located in Martinsville, Virginia. PHCC offers associate’s degrees, certificates, and diplomas in more than 60 programs of study.
The college also has articulation agreements with numerous universities in the state of Virginia and beyond, which allow students to transfer their credits to a four-year institution and complete a bachelor’s degree. PHCC also offers online courses and degrees.
10. Paul D. Camp Community College
Paul D. Camp Community College is a two-year institution located in Franklin, Virginia. The college was established in 1964 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The school offers associate’s degrees and certificates in a variety of disciplines. Camp offers a unique blend of traditional and online courses, which allows students to complete their degree entirely online if they choose.
The online program is flexible and allows students to work at their own pace. Camp also has a variety of clubs and organizations that students can get involved in to supplement their education.
Frequently Asked Questions on Community Colleges
How many community colleges are in Virginia?
There are 23 community colleges in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Each one has its own set of admission requirements, but all share the common goal of providing quality education and training programs.
Are community colleges in Virginia expensive?
The best community colleges in Virginia offer students a high-quality education at an affordable price. These schools provide students with the opportunity to gain career skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. Additionally, community colleges offer students the chance to complete their degree or transfer to a four-year university.
Conclusion
Community colleges in Virginia provide students with Associate’s degrees and certification programs in a variety of vocational and technical fields.
Many students attend community colleges for two years prior to transferring to a four-year university, while others use them as a stepping stone to directly enter the workforce.
There are many different community colleges in Virginia, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important for students to do their research before choosing one.