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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a modest payoff that depends almost entirely on what you study. With median debt under $9,000 and a net price near $6,300 a year, you are not risking much money. But the median graduate earns about $40,750 a decade out, so the return is real only if you pick the right program.
Nursing is where the numbers work. The associate nursing track earns roughly $57,000, and allied health follows around $50,500. Both carry higher debt than other programs here (about $10,500 and $11,500), but that debt is easy to justify against those salaries, and Charlottesville's hospital-heavy job market keeps demand steady.
Business administration pays about $34,000, below the school-wide median, so an associate here is more of a stepping stone than a finish line. Liberal arts and general studies earns under $20,000 with the lowest debt on the list. That combination only makes sense if you plan to transfer to a four-year school. on its own, it does not pay off.
The main risk is completion. Only about 35% of students graduate, and the low salaries do not rescue you if you borrow, drop out, and finish with debt but no credential. Your degree choice and your finish rate matter more than the price tag.
The net price tiers are unusual: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay less (around $4,760 to $5,544) than middle-income families, who pay $7,490 to $9,467. Over $110,000, expect about $11,586. This school fits you if you want a cheap path into nursing or allied health, or a low-cost launch toward a bachelor's transfer. Look elsewhere if you want a terminal liberal arts or business associate to carry your career.
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.