Piedmont Virginia Community College: $4,928 Tuition

$4,928Tuition

3,032Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,752Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Piedmont Virginia Community College

Piedmont Virginia Community College serves as a stepping stone for students targeting four-year universities while also training Virginia's workforce. The college enrolls 3,032 students across suburban Charlottesville, with nearly 99% coming from in-state. Students here typically pursue associate degrees before transferring to institutions like the University of Virginia or focus on career-oriented programs that lead directly to employment. The Panthers compete in community college athletics while maintaining a practical focus on academics and job preparation.

The financial picture looks manageable for most students. In-state tuition runs $4,928, but the average net price drops to $6,347 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $5,544 annually. Graduates earn a median of $40,752 ten years after starting, while carrying typical debt of just $8,750. Monthly loan payments average $93, making this an affordable path to career advancement. Only 25% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking practical education.

Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting community college trends nationwide. The college maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for reasonable class sizes. With an 88.6% employment rate, graduates successfully enter the workforce, though the 35% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many part-time and working students face.

Academics & Faculty

Piedmont Virginia Community College serves as a crucial stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities, particularly the nearby University of Virginia. The college enrolls 3,032 students with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio that provides reasonable access to instructors. However, the 35% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face juggling work, family, and academics. The school excels in workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in growing fields. Nearly 99% of students are Virginia residents who benefit from affordable in-state tuition of $4,928. Strong transfer agreements with state universities make PVCC a smart financial choice for students seeking a bachelor's degree.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 34.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,752

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,318
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$50,543
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$33,993
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,719

View all 35 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Piedmont Virginia Community College find themselves in the heart of Charlottesville, just minutes from the University of Virginia campus and downtown's pedestrian mall. The 60% female, 40% male student body reflects the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. Nearly 99% of students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the 20:1 student-faculty ratio.

The college doesn't offer on-campus housing, so students commute from around the Charlottesville area. Virginia's four-season climate means packing both winter coats for January snow and lighter clothes for humid summers. Weekends often involve exploring Charlottesville's music scene or hiking the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The Panthers compete in intramural sports, though many students balance coursework with part-time jobs. With 88.6% of graduates finding employment, the campus maintains a practical, career-focused atmosphere. Students frequently study in small groups, preparing for transfer to four-year universities or entering the workforce directly after their two-year programs.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1972

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–42°F
July Avg: 67°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 78.0"
Annual Snowfall: 22.8"

Student Demographics

Piedmont Virginia draws overwhelmingly local students, with nearly 99% coming from in-state. The student body skews female at 60%, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and health sciences programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families in the Charlottesville area. The diverse mix includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside a white majority. These students typically choose Piedmont Virginia as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities or to gain job skills for Virginia's healthcare and technology sectors.

Men: 39.7%
Women: 60.3%
White: 55.8%
Black: 16.0%
Hispanic: 12.5%
Asian: 4.5%
In-State Students: 99.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.4%

Location

Piedmont Virginia Community College sits in Charlottesville, Virginia, home to the University of Virginia. The college serves a classic college town environment where 98.98% of students come from in-state. Charlottesville lies about 70 miles northwest of Richmond and 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to this central Virginia location. The area blends academic culture with historical significance, as Thomas Jefferson founded UVA here in the early 1800s. Students benefit from the intellectual atmosphere while enjoying outdoor recreation opportunities in nearby Shenandoah National Park. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Piedmont Virginia Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-7589

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,752
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,690
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $93/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Piedmont Virginia Community College?

As a community college, Piedmont Virginia Community College maintains an open admission policy for most programs. The school serves 3,032 students with 98.98% coming from in-state, making it highly accessible to local Virginia residents seeking affordable higher education options.

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

The average net price at Piedmont Virginia Community College is $6,347 annually. For families earning under $30,000, the net price drops to just $5,544, while graduates typically carry only $8,750 in median debt with monthly payments of $93.

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

Piedmont Virginia Community College maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The school is known for serving as a transfer pathway to four-year universities while also providing workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment.

What are the employment outcomes for Piedmont Virginia Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 88.6% employment rate with median earnings of $40,752 ten years after enrollment. The school's dual focus on university transfer and workforce development helps explain why many students successfully transition either to four-year institutions or directly into careers.

Where is Piedmont Virginia Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Charlottesville, Virginia, in a midsize suburban setting that benefits from proximity to the University of Virginia. With 60.29% women and 39.71% men, the diverse student body includes 55.77% white, 16% Black, and 12.47% Hispanic students.

Does Piedmont Virginia Community College offer good transfer opportunities?

The school's 35.10% six-year graduation rate reflects its role as a stepping stone institution rather than a final destination. Founded in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College has built strong transfer pathways that allow students to complete general education requirements affordably before moving to four-year universities.