About Laurel Ridge Community College
Students pay an average of $5,586 after financial aid, making this one of Virginia's most affordable college options. Graduates earn a median of $41,000 ten years after starting, while carrying just $9,750 in debt. With monthly loan payments of only $103, most graduates can manage their debt load comfortably. The strong employment rate of 93.3% reflects the college's focus on job-ready skills.
The student body is 65% female, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and education programs. Nearly 99% of students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at four-year schools, but instructors often bring real-world experience from local industries. Only 18% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking affordable career advancement.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 27:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 24.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,000
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,383 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $43,426 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $35,954 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | Associate | $29,141 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $25,194 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,768 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Certificate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
With a 27:1 student-to-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies. The campus culture revolves around practical career training rather than traditional college social life. Students often grab coffee between classes or study in small groups, but weekends typically mean heading home or to part-time jobs. The 38.8% graduation rate within six years reflects the reality that many students attend part-time or take breaks for work and family obligations. This isn't a place for dorm life or campus traditions, but rather a stepping stone toward four-year degrees or immediate employment in the local job market.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1970
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–42°F
- July Avg
- 62°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 25.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.3%
- Women
- 64.7%
- White
- 64.4%
- Black
- 6.2%
- Hispanic
- 17.0%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 98.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.9%
Location
- Address
- Middletown, Virginia 22645
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,000
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,177
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 41.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $103/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Laurel Ridge Community College?
As a community college, Laurel Ridge maintains an open admissions policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 3,167 students in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, functioning as an accessible entry point to higher education for the region.
How much does Laurel Ridge Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,586 annually, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Virginia. In-state tuition runs $4,928 while out-of-state students pay $10,931, though 98.74% of students are Virginia residents.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Laurel Ridge Community College?
The college operates with a 27:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges focused on workforce development. Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge has built a reputation for practical career training and transfer preparation in the rural Shenandoah Valley.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Laurel Ridge Community College?
Graduates achieve a 93.3% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong ties to local employers and focus on in-demand skills. The median earnings ten years after enrollment reach $41,000, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt loads of $9,750.
Where is Laurel Ridge Community College located and what is the campus like?
The college sits in Middletown, Virginia, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town accessibility with proximity to larger metropolitan areas. The campus serves as a regional center for students throughout the northern Shenandoah Valley seeking affordable higher education close to home.
Does Laurel Ridge Community College have a diverse student body?
Women make up 64.70% of the student population, reflecting national trends in community college enrollment. The student body is 64.35% white and 16.96% Hispanic, serving as an important educational pathway for first-generation college students in rural Virginia.
