About Centura College-Chesapeake
Centura College-Chesapeake trains students for immediate entry into healthcare, business, and technology careers through hands-on programs designed around employer needs. The college enrolls 225 students in Virginia's second-largest city, focusing on practical skills over traditional academics. Nearly 89% of students are women, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare fields where female professionals dominate. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in career-focused coursework.
Students pay an average net price of $26,254 after financial aid, with 84% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $25,930 ten years after starting school, which creates challenges for loan repayment given the typical debt load of $14,750. The monthly loan payment of $156 represents a significant portion of entry-level salaries in the fields this college serves. The low 14.5% loan repayment rate signals financial stress among alumni.
The student body is predominantly local, with 90% coming from Virginia, and reflects the region's diversity with 61% Black enrollment and 19% White enrollment. Career placement drives everything here, with a 90.6% employment rate showing the college's connections to regional employers. The semester system allows students to complete programs efficiently and enter the workforce quickly.
Students pay an average net price of $26,254 after financial aid, with 84% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $25,930 ten years after starting school, which creates challenges for loan repayment given the typical debt load of $14,750. The monthly loan payment of $156 represents a significant portion of entry-level salaries in the fields this college serves. The low 14.5% loan repayment rate signals financial stress among alumni.
The student body is predominantly local, with 90% coming from Virginia, and reflects the region's diversity with 61% Black enrollment and 19% White enrollment. Career placement drives everything here, with a 90.6% employment rate showing the college's connections to regional employers. The semester system allows students to complete programs efficiently and enter the workforce quickly.
Academics & Faculty
Centura College-Chesapeake operates as a career-focused institution specializing in healthcare, business, and technology programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in hands-on training environments. Students complete their degrees efficiently, with a 74% four-year graduation rate reflecting the school's structured approach to career preparation. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theory, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry. Healthcare programs dominate the offerings, aligning with the region's medical industry demands. While 66% of students graduate within six years, the career-oriented model means many enter the workforce quickly after completing their programs. The small enrollment of 225 students creates an intimate learning environment focused on job readiness.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $25,930
- Carnegie Classification
- Associate College (High Career)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,228 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Associate | $23,803 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,094 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $21,679 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,019 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Associate | $17,916 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $15,922 |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $14,935 |
Campus Life
With only 225 students enrolled, this small career college creates an intimate learning environment in Virginia's second-largest city. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your instructors personally. Chesapeake sits about 20 minutes from Norfolk and Virginia Beach, giving you access to urban amenities and coastal recreation. Virginia's mild climate means light jackets in winter and plenty of humidity in summer.
The student body is 88% women, reflecting the college's focus on healthcare programs where female enrollment traditionally runs high. With 90% of students from Virginia, most commute from the Hampton Roads area rather than living on campus. The semester calendar keeps pace brisk in career-focused programs designed for quick entry into the workforce. Students often balance classes with part-time jobs, and many are older learners returning to education. Weekend activities typically involve studying, work, or exploring the Chesapeake Bay area. The college emphasizes hands-on training over traditional campus life, preparing students for immediate employment after graduation.
The student body is 88% women, reflecting the college's focus on healthcare programs where female enrollment traditionally runs high. With 90% of students from Virginia, most commute from the Hampton Roads area rather than living on campus. The semester calendar keeps pace brisk in career-focused programs designed for quick entry into the workforce. Students often balance classes with part-time jobs, and many are older learners returning to education. Weekend activities typically involve studying, work, or exploring the Chesapeake Bay area. The college emphasizes hands-on training over traditional campus life, preparing students for immediate employment after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–54°F
- July Avg
- 72°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.2"
Student Demographics
This career college draws overwhelmingly from Virginia, with nine out of ten students staying close to home for professional training. Women make up nearly nine in ten students, reflecting the school's strong focus on healthcare programs where female enrollment traditionally dominates. The student body is predominantly Black and serves a community that relies heavily on financial aid to access career education. Most students come from working-class backgrounds seeking direct pathways to employment in growing fields like nursing and medical assisting.
- Men
- 11.6%
- Women
- 88.4%
- White
- 18.7%
- Black
- 60.9%
- Hispanic
- 6.2%
- Asian
- 2.7%
- In-State Students
- 90.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 84.1%
Location
Centura College-Chesapeake sits in Chesapeake, Virginia, part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. The campus is about 15 miles south of Norfolk and 20 miles from Virginia Beach. This region combines urban amenities with coastal access, as Chesapeake borders the Great Dismal Swamp and offers proximity to both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. The area serves as a major military center with Naval Station Norfolk nearby. Chesapeake itself is Virginia's second-largest city by land area, known for its mix of suburban neighborhoods and preserved natural spaces. The school draws 90% of its students from Virginia, reflecting strong local ties to the Hampton Roads region's healthcare and business sectors. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Centura College-Chesapeake with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $25,930
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $29,799
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $18,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 14.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $156/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the enrollment size at Centura College-Chesapeake?
Centura College-Chesapeake enrolls just 225 students, creating an intimate learning environment focused on career preparation. The small class sizes support the college's hands-on training approach in healthcare, business, and technology programs.
How much does Centura College-Chesapeake cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,254 annually at Centura College-Chesapeake. With 84.13% of students receiving financial aid and most qualifying for Pell Grants, the college serves primarily low-income students seeking career training.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Centura College-Chesapeake?
Centura College-Chesapeake maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical programs. The college emphasizes practical skills training over traditional liberal arts education.
What are the employment outcomes at Centura College-Chesapeake?
Centura College-Chesapeake achieves a 90.6% employment rate for graduates, reflecting its focus on job-ready skills. However, median earnings of $25,930 ten years after graduation are relatively modest compared to four-year universities.
Where do students at Centura College-Chesapeake come from?
Centura College-Chesapeake draws 90% of its students from Virginia, serving the local Chesapeake community. The student body is predominantly female at 88.44% and reflects the diversity of the Hampton Roads region.
What is unique about the student demographics at Centura College-Chesapeake?
Centura College-Chesapeake has an unusually high percentage of women at 88.44%, typical of healthcare-focused career colleges. The student body is majority African American at 60.89%, serving a community often underrepresented in higher education.
