At $6,347/yr net price, Piedmont Virginia Community College graduates earn $40,752/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,752/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,347 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,388 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,752/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,752/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,544/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,760/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,490/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,467/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,586/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $10,500 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $50,543 | $11,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,719 | $6,815 |
The Risk Factor
35.1% of students at Piedmont Virginia Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Piedmont Virginia Community College offers solid financial returns if you pick the right program and complete your degree. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning $57,318 annually against just $10,500 in debt, creating one of the strongest ROI scenarios among Virginia community colleges. Allied health programs also deliver strong returns at $50,543 in median earnings.
The financial picture turns problematic for liberal arts students, who earn a median of just $19,719 ten years after enrollment. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio even with the program's lower $6,815 debt load. Business administration falls into a middle ground at $33,993, offering modest returns relative to the low cost of attendance.
Your biggest risk at PVCC is the 35% graduation rate. If you don't complete your program, you'll face debt without the credential needed for higher earnings. The Charlottesville regional job market supports healthcare careers well, but offers limited opportunities for liberal arts graduates without additional training.
This school works best if you're committed to healthcare or allied health careers and can handle the program demands. The low net price of $6,347 makes it accessible, and only 25% of students need financial aid, suggesting most can afford the costs upfront. Avoid PVCC if you're unsure about your major or considering liberal arts without a clear transfer plan to a four-year institution.
Focus on completion strategies rather than cost reduction. The school is already affordable, but the graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Your financial success depends more on program choice and degree completion than on managing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Piedmont Virginia Community College worth the cost?
At $6,347 per year, Piedmont Virginia Community College offers decent value if you stick to nursing or allied health programs. The low cost and minimal debt make it a safer choice than most four-year schools, though the 35% graduation rate is concerning.
What are the best paying programs at Piedmont Virginia Community College?
Nursing programs lead with $57,318 average earnings, followed by allied health at $50,543. Business programs earn $33,993 while general studies graduates average just $19,719, barely above the overall school median of $40,752.
How much debt do Piedmont Virginia Community College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $8,750, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low net price of $6,347 per year helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Piedmont Virginia Community College?
Only 35% of students graduate, meaning two-thirds drop out without completing their program. This low completion rate significantly reduces the school's overall value despite its affordable tuition.