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$4,998Tuition
2,144Students
41%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,627Earnings
Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Central Virginia Community College

Central Virginia Community College serves the hill country around Lynchburg with practical programs that get students working or transferred to four-year schools. The college enrolls 2,144 students who come entirely from Virginia. Students choose between career training in fields like nursing and automotive technology or transfer tracks that prepare them for universities across the state. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students by name.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $4,329 after aid, while the typical graduate leaves with $8,625 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $91. Graduates earn a median of $36,627 ten years after starting college. The math works for most students, especially those entering healthcare or skilled trades where starting salaries often exceed the state average.

The student body is 58% women and reflects the diversity of central Virginia, with 24% Black students and 58% white students. About 41% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working. The college operates on a semester system and maintains a 90% employment rate for graduates.

Academics & Faculty

Central Virginia Community College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing both career training and four-year degrees. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many larger institutions cannot match. With a 41.30% six-year graduation rate, the college reflects the reality that many community college students balance work and family responsibilities while completing their education. The school emphasizes practical workforce preparation through programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. Students can complete associate degrees designed for direct employment or transfer seamlessly to Virginia's public universities. The college's dual mission means students get both technical skills training and solid liberal arts foundations for further education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
31.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
41.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,627

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $45,500
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $25,194
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $20,140
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $18,771

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Central Virginia Community College draws students from across the greater Lynchburg area, with 100% of its 2,144 students coming from Virginia. The campus sits in Lynchburg, a mid-sized city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about two hours south of Richmond. Students experience four distinct seasons, with mild winters requiring a light jacket and warm summers perfect for the region's outdoor activities.

As a commuter school, students drive to campus for classes then head to work or family responsibilities. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name. Many of the 57.98% female and 42.02% male students juggle school with jobs, reflected in the strong 90.2% employment rate. Weekends often involve studying, working, or exploring Lynchburg's downtown revival along the James River. The semester system keeps coursework moving at a steady pace. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities or enter careers directly, with median earnings reaching $36,627 ten years after enrollment.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1966

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
24°–45°F
July Avg
64°–86°F
Annual Precipitation
83.1"
Annual Snowfall
26.3"

Student Demographics

Central Virginia Community College draws working adults and recent high school graduates from across the Lynchburg region. Women make up 58% of students, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and healthcare programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career credentials. The student body is 58% white and 24% Black, mirroring the demographics of central Virginia. Every student comes from in-state, reinforcing the college's role as a local stepping stone to better employment or university transfer.
Men
42.0%
Women
58.0%
White
58.0%
Black
24.0%
Hispanic
5.8%
Asian
1.4%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.1%

Location

Central Virginia Community College sits in Lynchburg, a small city of about 80,000 people in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus serves students roughly 180 miles southwest of Washington DC and 110 miles west of Richmond. Lynchburg combines industrial heritage with college town energy, home to several universities including Liberty University. The area offers outdoor recreation with nearby peaks and the James River running through downtown. All students at CVCC are Virginia residents, reflecting its role as a local workforce development center. The mountainous terrain and mild climate make this region popular for hiking and water sports. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Central Virginia Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Lynchburg, Virginia 24502-2498

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,627
Median Earnings (5 years)
$42,170
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$25,800
Loan Repayment Rate
43.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$91/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,625

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Central Virginia Community College?

Central Virginia Community College follows an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The school serves 2,144 students across its programs in Lynchburg. As a public two-year institution, it prioritizes accessibility for local students seeking affordable education and career training.

How much does Central Virginia Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,525 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,329 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $11,438. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at $4,998 and modest monthly loan payments averaging $91.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Central Virginia Community College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 17:1, providing reasonable access to instructors in this community college setting. The college operates on a semester calendar system and focuses heavily on career training alongside traditional transfer programs. Students benefit from practical, hands-on learning that prepares them for immediate workforce entry.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Central Virginia Community College?

Graduates achieve a strong 90.2% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on career-focused programs. Median earnings reach $35,672 one year after graduation and climb to $36,627 after ten years. The college's reputation for practical training helps students transition quickly into Virginia's job market.

Where is Central Virginia Community College located and who attends?

The college sits in Lynchburg, a small city in central Virginia, serving 100% in-state students. The student body is 58% female and reflects regional demographics with 58% white students and 24% Black students. This local focus allows the college to tailor programs specifically to central Virginia's economic needs and opportunities.

Does Central Virginia Community College help students transfer to four-year schools?

The college maintains a 41.3% six-year graduation rate while serving as both a transfer pathway and career training center. Many students use CVCC as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities or complete associate degrees for direct workforce entry. Founded in 1966, the college has established strong relationships with Virginia's public universities for seamless credit transfer.