Public · Mostly certificates · Small city

Virginia Western Community College

Roanoke, Virginia. 3,898 undergraduates.

34%Graduation rate37 pts below the national median for similar colleges (71%)
$4,912Average net price per year72% below the national median for similar colleges ($17,716)
$44,514Median earnings 10 years after starting22% above the national median for similar colleges ($36,576)
$11,000Median debt at graduation16% above the national median for similar colleges ($9,500)
Our read

Graduates' median debt ($11,000) equals 25% of former students' median earnings ten years after starting ($44,514). That is a light load relative to pay.

What families actually pay

Under $30,000$4,006
$30,000–$48,000$3,863
$48,001–$75,000$4,981
$75,001–$110,000$7,179
Over $110,000$11,763

Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, by family income. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Compare net price across collegesPublished tuition and fees: $5,547 in-state, $12,060 out-of-state.

Do students finish, and what do they earn?

MeasureThis collegeSimilar colleges nationally
Graduation rate34%71%
Return for second year63%77%
Median earnings, 6 years after starting$38,936$33,491
Median earnings, 10 years after starting$44,514$36,576
Median debt at graduation$11,000$9,500

Graduation rate within 150% of normal time; retention is the share of first-year students who return. Earnings are medians for former students who received federal aid, working and not enrolled. National comparison is the median for colleges of the same type (mostly certificates).

Programs and what graduates earn

49 programs reported
ProgramGraduates / yrMedian earnings, 1 yrMedian earnings, 5 yrsMedian debt
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants24$53,624$67,792—
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians46$45,737$55,027—
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)20$39,309$51,303—
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers36$40,876$44,876—
Precision Metal Working33$35,270$44,245—
Health and Medical Administrative Services43$35,461$41,387—
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities165—$40,987$8,350
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions28$31,107$35,546—
Culinary Arts and Related Services7—$31,930—
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services10———
Computer and Information Sciences, General22———
Computer Software and Media Applications1———
Engineering, General1———
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians8———
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians2———
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services15———
Legal Support Services9———
Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians1———
Criminal Justice and Corrections9———
Construction Trades, General12———
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians10———
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions23———
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services7———
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions31———
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions31——$18,551
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing35——$19,703
Business Administration, Management and Operations12———
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services26———
Hospitality Administration/Management3———

Program-level medians for graduates who received federal aid. A dash means the Department of Education suppressed the figure to protect privacy, usually because the program is small. At four-year colleges, certificate graduates often earned a bachelor's at the same time, so their earnings can reflect the degree. Source: College Scorecard, field of study data.

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Quick answers

How much does Virginia Western Community College cost per year?
The average net price at Virginia Western Community College, what students pay after grants and scholarships, is $4,912 per year. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much do Virginia Western Community College graduates earn?
Former Virginia Western Community College students earn a median of $44,514 a year ten years after starting college. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Western Community College?
34% of Virginia Western Community College students graduate within 150% of normal time. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much student debt do Virginia Western Community College graduates have?
The median federal student debt at graduation from Virginia Western Community College is $11,000. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.