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100.0%Acceptance
$14,875Tuition
325Students
63%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$66,072Earnings
#21 in VirginiaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About Riverside College of Health Careers

Riverside College of Health Careers trains students for hands-on medical careers in Newport News. The 325-student institution focuses exclusively on health professions, preparing graduates for roles in healthcare facilities across Virginia. Women make up 91% of the student body, reflecting the college's concentration in traditionally female-dominated health fields. The school maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction in clinical skills.

Students pay an average net price of $25,596 after financial aid, with nearly 48% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median salary of $66,072 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The typical graduate leaves with $14,787 in debt and monthly loan payments of $157. These earnings justify the upfront costs, especially given the strong job market for healthcare workers.

The college boasts a 99.5% employment rate, reflecting high demand for its graduates in the healthcare sector. However, only 62.5% of students graduate within six years, suggesting the programs require significant dedication and academic persistence. The school accepts all applicants, making it accessible to students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere but are committed to healthcare careers.

Academics & Faculty

This health careers college trains students specifically for medical and allied health professions. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors can provide hands-on clinical training and personalized attention. Students focus on practical skills needed for immediate entry into healthcare jobs. The 62.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of health science coursework and clinical requirements. Nearly 100% of graduates find employment, with median earnings reaching $66,072 within ten years. The curriculum emphasizes certification preparation and real-world clinical experience rather than broad liberal arts education. Programs typically include nursing, medical assisting, and other direct patient care specialties that meet Virginia's growing healthcare workforce needs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
75.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
62.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$66,072

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Certificate $56,867
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $46,087
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $40,728
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $34,381

View all 8 programs →

Campus Life

Newport News sits in the heart of Virginia's Hampton Roads region, putting students 20 minutes from Virginia Beach and an hour from Richmond. Nearly 92% of students are women, creating a tight-knit community focused on healthcare careers. The small enrollment of 325 means you'll recognize faces across campus and build close relationships with classmates who share your professional goals.

Virginia's mild climate means light jackets for winter and plenty of warm weather for outdoor study sessions. The semester calendar keeps students busy with hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs and clinical rotations at local hospitals. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and career aspirations. Most students commute from the surrounding area, so weekends often involve group study sessions for challenging coursework or trips to nearby Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. The 99.5% employment rate reflects the school's strong connections with regional healthcare employers, and students often network at local medical facilities where they complete clinical requirements.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 3
Murder 0 0 0 1
Stalking 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
32°–49°F
July Avg
71°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
47.8"
Annual Snowfall
2.7"

Student Demographics

Riverside College draws overwhelmingly female students into health career programs, reflecting nursing and allied health fields where women traditionally dominate. Nearly half the student body qualifies for Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking upward mobility through healthcare careers. The diverse mix includes substantial Black and Hispanic representation alongside white students. Small enrollment of 325 creates an intimate learning environment. Students come primarily from Virginia and nearby states, drawn by the college's specialized health focus and direct pathway into stable, well-paying medical jobs.
Men
8.9%
Women
91.1%
White
56.3%
Black
25.9%
Hispanic
5.9%
Asian
3.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
47.9%

Location

Newport News, Virginia sits in the heart of the Hampton Roads region, about 75 miles southeast of Richmond. The area serves as a major military and shipbuilding center, home to Newport News Shipbuilding and nearby Naval Station Norfolk. Students live in a mid-sized city of roughly 185,000 residents surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and James River. The region offers urban amenities while maintaining access to Virginia's coastal attractions. Hampton Roads hosts several military installations and defense contractors, creating strong job markets for healthcare professionals. The area's diverse population reflects its military heritage and port city status. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Riverside College of Health Careers with similar schools in the region.
Address
Newport News, Virginia 23601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$66,072
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,434
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,400
Loan Repayment Rate
60.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$157/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,787

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Riverside College of Health Careers?

Riverside College of Health Careers has a 100% acceptance rate, making it an open-admission institution. The school prioritizes making healthcare education accessible rather than selective admissions. With just 325 students enrolled, the college maintains a focus on hands-on healthcare training.

How much does Riverside College of Health Careers cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $25,596 for all students regardless of income level. Annual tuition stands at $14,875 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Nearly 48% of students receive financial aid, though the school offers minimal institutional grants averaging just $2,064.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Riverside College of Health Careers?

The student-faculty ratio is 12:1, providing personalized attention in healthcare programs. This specialized health careers college focuses on practical training rather than traditional liberal arts education. The small class sizes support the hands-on nature of medical and health technology programs.

What are the employment outcomes for Riverside College of Health Careers graduates?

Graduates achieve a 99.5% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for healthcare workers. The median earnings reach $66,072 ten years after graduation, competitive for health careers fields. However, the 6-year graduation rate of 62.5% suggests some students face challenges completing their programs.

Where is Riverside College of Health Careers located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Newport News, Virginia, a mid-sized city in the Hampton Roads region. With only 325 students, the campus maintains an intimate atmosphere focused on healthcare education. The urban setting provides access to local hospitals and medical facilities for clinical training opportunities.

What is the gender composition at Riverside College of Health Careers?

Women make up 91.08% of the student body while men represent just 8.92%. This dramatic gender imbalance reflects the college's focus on health careers, which traditionally attract more female students. The student population is 56.31% White and 25.85% Black, serving a diverse community in southeastern Virginia.