About Centura College-Norfolk
Centura College-Norfolk specializes in career-focused technical and health programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The small private college enrolls just 193 students in Norfolk's midsize city environment. Students benefit from intimate class sizes with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The school operates as a career college, emphasizing hands-on training over traditional liberal arts education.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $26,719 annually, regardless of family income level. Nearly three-quarters of students receive financial aid, with 73.76% qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $25,930 ten years after enrollment, which creates challenging economics given the program costs. Students typically leave with $14,750 in debt, resulting in monthly loan payments around $156. The low 14.54% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle to pay back their loans.
This school serves a predominantly female student body, with women making up 63.21% of enrollment. The campus draws heavily from Norfolk's diverse community, with 67.88% Black students and 12.95% White students. All students come from Virginia. The 90.6% employment rate shows the career programs do help students find jobs, though the earning potential remains limited.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $26,719 annually, regardless of family income level. Nearly three-quarters of students receive financial aid, with 73.76% qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $25,930 ten years after enrollment, which creates challenging economics given the program costs. Students typically leave with $14,750 in debt, resulting in monthly loan payments around $156. The low 14.54% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle to pay back their loans.
This school serves a predominantly female student body, with women making up 63.21% of enrollment. The campus draws heavily from Norfolk's diverse community, with 67.88% Black students and 12.95% White students. All students come from Virginia. The 90.6% employment rate shows the career programs do help students find jobs, though the earning potential remains limited.
Academics & Faculty
Centura College-Norfolk specializes in career-focused technical and health programs designed to get graduates into the workforce quickly. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in hands-on training environments. Nearly 64% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the intensive nature of these vocational programs. The college primarily serves working adults and career changers seeking practical skills in fields like medical assisting, HVAC, and automotive technology. Small class sizes with only 193 total students create tight-knit learning communities. Faculty often bring real-world industry experience to the classroom. The semester calendar system allows students to progress steadily through certificate and associate degree programs without the distractions of a traditional four-year campus environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $25,930
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,986 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $21,679 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $21,234 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $21,019 |
Campus Life
With just 193 students, Centura College-Norfolk operates more like a tight-knit training center than a traditional campus. The small enrollment means you'll recognize most faces within weeks. Norfolk sits in southeastern Virginia where winters are mild enough that a light jacket handles most cold days, though summer humidity will have you reaching for air conditioning.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Since 67% of students are Black and 100% are Virginia residents, the community reflects the local Norfolk area. Most students commute rather than live on campus, treating their time here like a focused job training program. Weekend social life revolves around Norfolk's downtown waterfront district and nearby Virginia Beach, about 20 minutes away.
The 90.6% employment rate suggests most graduates land jobs quickly after completing their technical or health programs. With 63% of students being women, the atmosphere skews toward serious career preparation rather than traditional college partying. Students often study in small groups between the semester-based classes.
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an environment where instructors know your name and track your progress closely. Since 67% of students are Black and 100% are Virginia residents, the community reflects the local Norfolk area. Most students commute rather than live on campus, treating their time here like a focused job training program. Weekend social life revolves around Norfolk's downtown waterfront district and nearby Virginia Beach, about 20 minutes away.
The 90.6% employment rate suggests most graduates land jobs quickly after completing their technical or health programs. With 63% of students being women, the atmosphere skews toward serious career preparation rather than traditional college partying. Students often study in small groups between the semester-based classes.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–48°F
- July Avg
- 71°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,549.6"
Student Demographics
This Norfolk career college draws students from across Virginia who need practical job training without the four-year commitment. Nearly three-quarters of students qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families seeking economic mobility. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, which aligns with the college's focus on healthcare and medical assistant programs. The student population is predominantly Black, serving Norfolk's diverse community with career-focused education designed to lead directly into local employment opportunities.
- Men
- 36.8%
- Women
- 63.2%
- White
- 13.0%
- Black
- 67.9%
- Hispanic
- 9.8%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 73.8%
Location
Norfolk sits in southeastern Virginia, part of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area with over 1.7 million residents. The city serves as a major naval center, home to the world's largest naval base. Students attend classes just minutes from the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean beaches. Norfolk's urban setting provides internship opportunities in healthcare, shipping, and military contracting. The region's economy centers on the military, with Norfolk Naval Shipyard employing thousands. Downtown Norfolk offers cultural attractions like the Chrysler Museum and Norfolk Botanical Garden. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Centura College-Norfolk with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Norfolk, Virginia 23518-4833
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 student body like at Centura College-Norfolk?
The college enrolls 193 students with women making up 63.21% of the student body. The school serves a predominantly African American population at 67.88%, reflecting its role as a career-focused institution in Norfolk's diverse community.
How much does Centura College-Norfolk cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $26,719 annually, with 73.76% receiving financial aid. The college focuses on career training programs, though graduates typically carry $14,750 in median debt with monthly loan payments of $156.
What are the academics like at Centura College-Norfolk?
The college maintains a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in technical and health programs. Classes follow a semester system, emphasizing hands-on career preparation rather than traditional academic subjects.
What kind of job outcomes do Centura College-Norfolk graduates achieve?
Graduates have a 90.6% employment rate, demonstrating the school's focus on job-ready skills training. However, median earnings are $25,930 ten years after graduation, reflecting the entry-level nature of many technical careers the college prepares students for.
Where do students at Centura College-Norfolk come from?
All students are Virginia residents, with 100% coming from in-state. The college serves the local Norfolk community as a regional career training center in this mid-sized coastal city.
Is Centura College-Norfolk worth the investment for career training?
The college has a 62.90% six-year graduation rate, which is reasonable for a career-focused institution. However, the loan repayment rate is only 14.54%, suggesting many graduates struggle to pay back educational debt despite strong employment rates.
