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$4,938Tuition
5,548Students
39%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$41,223Earnings
#25 in VirginiaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Brightpoint Community College

Brightpoint Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable higher education in suburban Richmond. The college enrolls 5,548 students and focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways. Students here are pragmatic about their goals, often balancing work and family while pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, business, and technology.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. Average net price sits at $5,583, but families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,203 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $41,223 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $9,500 manageable with monthly payments around $101. The math works: students invest modestly and see solid returns in the job market.

The student body reflects the community's diversity, with 47.7% white students, 23.9% Black students, and 15.2% Hispanic students. Nearly all students (99.4%) come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit local atmosphere. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay personal despite the college's size. With a 90.9% employment rate, Brightpoint delivers on its promise of career readiness, even if only 38.7% complete their programs within six years.

Academics & Faculty

Brightpoint Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or direct entry into the workforce. The college offers traditional transfer programs alongside career-focused training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. With a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more individualized attention than at larger institutions, though academic support varies by program. The 38.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. Nearly all students (99.37%) come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college emphasizes practical skills and workforce readiness, preparing graduates for immediate employment in the Richmond metropolitan area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
38.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,223

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $58,842
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Associate $33,281
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Associate $32,119
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $30,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $28,598
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $24,730
Visual and Performing Arts, Other. Associate $19,045

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

Brightpoint's suburban Chester campus sits about 15 miles south of Richmond, putting students close enough to Virginia's capital for internships and entertainment without the urban hustle. With 99.37% in-state enrollment, most students commute from across central Virginia rather than living on campus. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but professors know the community college mission of accessibility and career preparation.

Virginia's four-season climate requires both winter coats and sunscreen throughout the year, with mild winters and humid summers typical of the Mid-Atlantic region. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, reflecting the practical approach of community college life. Weekends might involve study groups in the library, pickup games on campus, or trips into Richmond for concerts and dining. The Trailblazers nickname reflects the school's role as a starting point for many students transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce with technical skills. With a 90.9% employment rate, graduates typically find work quickly in the Richmond metro area's diverse economy.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
28°–49°F
July Avg
69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
47.0"
Annual Snowfall
3.5"

Student Demographics

Brightpoint attracts local Virginians seeking affordable career training and transfer preparation close to home. Nearly all students come from within the state, reflecting the college's strong ties to the Richmond metropolitan area's workforce needs. The student body is diverse, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities alongside white students. Women outnumber men, likely drawn to the college's popular healthcare and business programs. Most students work while attending classes, balancing education with employment in Chester's suburban setting.
Men
42.5%
Women
57.5%
White
47.7%
Black
23.9%
Hispanic
15.2%
Asian
3.6%
In-State Students
99.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.4%

Location

Chester, Virginia sits about 20 miles south of Richmond, placing students within easy reach of the state capital's job market and internship opportunities. The suburb-large setting gives students access to urban amenities while maintaining a quieter residential feel. Nearly all students (99.37%) come from Virginia, reflecting the school's role as a local educational center in the Richmond metropolitan area. The Chesterfield County location offers a mix of suburban neighborhoods and commercial centers, with major employers in healthcare, retail, and government nearby. The area provides practical training sites for many of Brightpoint's career-focused programs. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Brightpoint Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Chester, Virginia 23831-5316

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$41,223
Median Earnings (5 years)
$46,019
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$30,000
Loan Repayment Rate
34.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Brightpoint Community College?

As a community college, Brightpoint maintains an open admissions policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 5,548 students primarily from Virginia, with 99.37% coming from in-state. This accessible approach helps the college fulfill its mission as a pathway to higher education for the Richmond metro area.

How much does Brightpoint Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,583 after aid, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Virginia. In-state tuition runs $4,938 annually, while families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,203 net. The low costs reflect the community college model of keeping education accessible to working families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Brightpoint Community College?

Classes average 22 students per faculty member, which is typical for community colleges but larger than four-year institutions. The college operates on a semester calendar system to align with transfer pathways. Students benefit from practical, career-focused programs that connect directly to local workforce needs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Brightpoint Community College?

Graduates achieve a 90.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. Median earnings reach $41,223 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on career training and certification programs. The relatively low median debt of $9,500 means graduates can enter the workforce without crushing financial burdens.

Where is Brightpoint Community College located and what is the campus like?

The campus sits in Chester, Virginia, a large suburban community in the Richmond metropolitan area. With 57.5% women and 42.5% men, the student body reflects typical community college demographics. The diverse population includes 47.71% white students, 23.85% Black students, and 15.18% Hispanic students, serving the multicultural Richmond region.

Does Brightpoint Community College have good graduation rates?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 38.7%, which aligns with national community college averages. Many students attend part-time while working, extending their completion timeline beyond traditional measures. The college's strength lies in workforce development and transfer preparation rather than traditional graduation metrics.