Blue Ridge Community College: $5,502 Tuition

$5,502Tuition

2,677Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,644Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Blue Ridge Community College

Blue Ridge Community College serves the Shenandoah Valley with practical career training and university transfer programs. The school enrolls 2,677 students in Virginia's rural heartland, where rolling hills meet focused education. Students choose from workforce development programs that connect directly to local employers or academic pathways designed for seamless transfer to four-year universities.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Average net price after aid runs $8,755, though families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,367. Graduates earn a median $42,644 ten years after completing programs, while typical student debt sits at only $10,409. Monthly loan payments average $110, making this education accessible without crushing debt loads.

Nearly every student comes from Virginia, with 99.34% claiming in-state residency. The student body skews female at 59.43%, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare and education programs. A 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively intimate despite the school's size. The 94.6% employment rate suggests graduates find work quickly, though the 33.7% six-year completion rate indicates many students take longer paths or transfer before finishing their associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Blue Ridge Community College serves the Shenandoah Valley with practical career training and university transfer programs. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay manageable, though students need to be self-motivated since only 33.7% complete their programs within six years. The college focuses on workforce development for the region's growing industries, including healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Nearly all students are Virginia residents (99.34%) who stay local for affordable education. Transfer agreements with Virginia's four-year universities make it a popular stepping stone for students planning to continue their education. The school emphasizes hands-on learning that prepares graduates for immediate employment in the valley's economy.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,644

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,883
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$39,009
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$34,562
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$33,993
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$29,685
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$28,443
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$26,739
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,485

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

Blue Ridge sits in the rural Shenandoah Valley, about 20 miles from Staunton and 45 minutes from Harrisonburg. With 2,677 students spread across multiple campuses, you'll find a close-knit community where professors know your name despite the 21:1 student-faculty ratio. The main Weyers Cave campus nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains means you'll need a winter coat for snowy January mornings and light layers for humid Virginia summers.

Nearly all students (99.34%) come from Virginia, and most commute from surrounding counties rather than living on campus. Women make up 59.43% of the student body, creating a welcoming environment for career-changers and recent high school graduates alike. Weekends often mean outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains or part-time jobs, since many students balance work with their studies. The semester system allows for winter and summer breaks that align with local employment opportunities. With strong ties to local employers and Virginia's four-year universities, students here are building practical skills while staying rooted in their Shenandoah Valley communities.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	0	0	0	1
Stalking	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–42°F
July Avg: 63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.6"
Annual Snowfall: 21.6"

Student Demographics

Blue Ridge draws overwhelmingly local students, with 99% coming from Virginia. The college serves the working families of the Shenandoah Valley, where one-third qualify for Pell Grants. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the school's popular nursing and health sciences programs. The diverse student population includes significant Hispanic representation at 15%, higher than many rural Virginia institutions. Most students work while attending classes, balancing career training with family obligations in this agricultural and manufacturing region.

Men: 40.6%
Women: 59.4%
White: 64.8%
Black: 6.2%
Hispanic: 15.5%
Asian: 2.5%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.5%

Location

Blue Ridge Community College sits in Weyers Cave, Virginia, roughly 20 miles southeast of Harrisonburg in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The rural-fringe setting places students among rolling hills and farmland, with the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a scenic backdrop to campus life. Nearly all students come from Virginia, with 99.34% being in-state residents who appreciate the college's proximity to outdoor recreation and small-town atmosphere. The Shenandoah Valley region is known for its agricultural heritage, Civil War history, and access to hiking trails in nearby national forests. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Blue Ridge Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486-0080

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,644
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,407
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 42.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $110/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,409

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Blue Ridge Community College?

Blue Ridge Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 2,677 students in the Shenandoah Valley. The college focuses on providing accessible education with 99.34% of students coming from in-state. Students can enroll in career-focused programs or use transfer pathways to four-year universities.

How much does Blue Ridge Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,755 annually, with costs varying by income level. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,367 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $15,437. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at $5,502 and graduates typically carry only $10,409 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Blue Ridge Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 21:1, which is typical for community colleges but higher than many four-year institutions. Blue Ridge serves the rural Shenandoah Valley region with practical, career-oriented programs. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes workforce development alongside university transfer preparation.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Blue Ridge Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 33.70%, reflecting the community college model where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time. Graduates achieve a 94.6% employment rate and earn a median salary of $42,644 ten years after enrollment. Monthly loan payments average just $110, making the investment manageable for most students.

Where is Blue Ridge Community College located and what is the campus like?

The campus sits in Weyers Cave, Virginia, in a rural-fringe setting that serves the broader Shenandoah Valley. Women make up 59.43% of the student body, while the student population is 64.77% white and 15.47% Hispanic. The rural location provides a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining access to regional job markets.

Does Blue Ridge Community College offer good financial aid opportunities?

About 33.46% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants, indicating significant need among the student body. Only 9.19% receive institutional grants, but those who do get an average of $5,720. The college keeps costs low through state funding, with just 5.11% of students taking federal loans.