Chester Career College: 147 Students

147Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,650Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Chester Career College

Chester Career College trains students for hands-on careers in healthcare and skilled trades. The school enrolls 147 students in a large suburban setting outside Richmond. With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, classes stay small and focused on practical skills. The college specializes in programs that lead directly to employment in growing fields.

Students pay an average of $23,878 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Lower-income families pay around $21,237 while middle-income families face the full $30,480 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $32,650 ten years after starting, but early career earnings start lower at $29,788 in the first year. Students typically graduate with $19,879 in debt and monthly loan payments of $211. The loan repayment rate sits at just 23.80%, suggesting many graduates struggle to pay back their loans despite the school's 96.6% employment rate.

The student body is overwhelmingly female at 88.44% and primarily Black at 76.19%. All students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community focused on local career opportunities. Only 40% of students complete their programs within six years, though those who do find work quickly in their chosen fields.

Academics & Faculty

Chester Career College focuses on career-specific training programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. With 88% of students being women, the school has built a reputation around programs that traditionally attract female students, particularly in healthcare and business fields. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small, hands-on classes. However, only 40% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face completing their programs. The school serves a predominantly Black student population at 76%, with all students coming from in-state. Career colleges like Chester emphasize practical skills over academic theory, preparing students for immediate employment rather than transfer to four-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,650

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$43,798
Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services.	Certificate	$24,035
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$20,824
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$18,771

View all 9 programs →

Campus Life

Chester Career College draws 147 students to its suburban Virginia campus, with 88% being women pursuing healthcare and technical careers. The school sits in Chester, about 20 minutes south of Richmond, where students experience four distinct seasons requiring both winter coats and summer heat preparation. With 100% in-state enrollment, most students commute from nearby communities rather than living on campus.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where instructors know students by name. Classes focus on hands-on training for careers in medical assisting, dental assisting, and other healthcare fields. Students spend weekdays in labs practicing clinical skills and studying for certification exams. The suburban setting offers strip malls and chain restaurants within walking distance, though many students drive to Richmond for entertainment and shopping. With 57% receiving Pell Grants, the student body includes many first-generation college students balancing coursework with work and family responsibilities. The career-focused atmosphere means less traditional college social life and more networking within specific professional tracks.

Setting: Suburb-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–50°F
July Avg: 70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.1"
Annual Snowfall: 3.5"

Student Demographics

Chester Career College draws students from across Virginia who are looking for practical job training close to home. The student body is 88% women, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare and cosmetology programs that traditionally attract female students. With 57% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career preparation. The diverse student population is primarily African American, creating a supportive community for students who might be first-generation college attendees. Most students are older learners balancing education with work and family responsibilities.

Men: 11.6%
Women: 88.4%
White: 16.3%
Black: 76.2%
Hispanic: 4.8%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 57.4%

Location

Chester Career College sits in Chester, Virginia, about 20 miles south of Richmond. The school draws 100% of its students from within Virginia. Chester is part of the greater Richmond metropolitan area, offering suburban living with access to urban amenities. The region combines historic Virginia charm with modern development, featuring shopping centers, restaurants, and residential neighborhoods. Students benefit from proximity to Richmond's job market while avoiding downtown congestion. The suburban-large setting provides a quieter environment for focused career training. Virginia's central location offers access to both mountain recreation in the west and coastal areas to the east. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Chester Career College with similar schools in the region.

Address: CHESTER, Virginia 23836

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,650
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,272
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 23.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $211/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,879

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Chester Career College?

Chester Career College serves a small student body of just 147 students focused on career training programs. The school draws entirely from Virginia residents, creating a tight-knit learning environment with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

How much does Chester Career College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,878 annually at this private career college. About 57% of students receive financial aid, though only 6% get institutional grants averaging $5,610.

What programs does Chester Career College specialize in?

Chester Career College focuses on career-oriented programs that attract predominantly female students, who make up 88% of enrollment. The school maintains small class sizes with its 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio to provide hands-on training.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Chester Career College?

Graduates achieve a strong 96.6% employment rate, demonstrating the school's focus on job-ready skills. However, median earnings start at $29,788 one year after graduation and reach $32,650 ten years later.

Where is Chester Career College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Chester, Virginia, a large suburban area outside Richmond. With only 147 total students, the campus offers an intimate setting where students can build close relationships with faculty and peers.

Does Chester Career College serve a diverse student population?

The college primarily serves African American students, who represent 76% of the student body, while white students make up 16%. About 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many low-income families seeking career advancement.