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91Students
$71,380Earnings
Private nonprofit2-yearData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Southside College of Health Sciences

This specialized health sciences college trains students for immediate entry into healthcare careers. With just 91 students enrolled, Southside operates more like an intensive training program than a traditional college. The suburban Colonial Heights campus focuses exclusively on preparing healthcare professionals through hands-on learning. Students work closely with faculty in a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention throughout their programs.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for career-focused students. Graduates typically earn $71,380 ten years after starting, while median debt sits at just $13,758. Monthly loan payments average $146, making the investment highly manageable given healthcare salaries. Every graduate finds employment immediately, with a 100% employment rate that reflects strong industry demand for skilled healthcare workers.

Women dominate enrollment at 92.31%, reflecting broader trends in healthcare education and careers. The student body is 67% white and 22% Black, serving a diverse population in Virginia's healthcare sector. About one-third of students receive federal financial aid, with 31% qualifying for Pell Grants. The Roman Catholic affiliation provides a faith-based foundation for healthcare service, though the school welcomes students from all backgrounds seeking intensive professional training.

Academics & Faculty

Southside College of Health Sciences trains students for careers in healthcare through intensive, hands-on programs. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with instructors in small lab settings and clinical rotations. This Catholic institution focuses exclusively on health science education, preparing graduates for immediate entry into medical fields. Students earn a median of $72,091 just one year after graduation, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals. The college maintains a 100% employment rate, with graduates typically finding work in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices throughout Virginia. Women make up 92% of the student body, reflecting the demographics of many healthcare professions like nursing and medical assisting.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
4:1
Full-Time Faculty
84.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$71,380

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $43,798

View all 2 programs →

Campus Life

Southside College of Health Sciences creates an intimate learning environment where 91 students receive highly personalized attention. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Women make up 92% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on health science programs that traditionally attract female students.

Colonial Heights sits about 20 miles south of Richmond, giving students access to big-city hospitals and healthcare facilities for clinical rotations. Virginia's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can expect pleasant springs and falls. The semester system allows students to dive deep into intensive healthcare coursework. With 100% employment rates, graduates typically land jobs quickly after completing their programs.

The small size creates a tight-knit community where study groups form naturally. Students often carpooled to Richmond for weekend activities before the pandemic changed social patterns. The Roman Catholic affiliation influences the school's mission but doesn't dominate daily life. Most social interaction happens around shared clinical experiences and exam preparation sessions.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–48°F
July Avg
68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
43.9"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Southside College draws overwhelmingly female students into its specialized health programs, with women making up over 90% of the tiny student body. The school serves primarily white and Black students from Virginia and surrounding areas, building its reputation as a regional training center for healthcare careers. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college attracts working-class families seeking stable medical careers. The intimate campus of just 91 students creates tight-knit cohorts where future nurses and health technicians train together in small clinical groups.
Men
7.7%
Women
92.3%
White
67.0%
Black
22.0%
Hispanic
1.1%
Asian
2.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.1%

Location

Colonial Heights sits 20 miles south of Richmond in central Virginia's Tri-Cities region. The suburban community of 18,000 residents provides a quieter alternative to Virginia's capital while maintaining easy access to urban amenities. Historic Petersburg borders the city to the east, while the Appomattox River flows nearby. The area blends Civil War history with modern suburban development, offering students a peaceful setting for intensive healthcare training. Colonial Heights maintains a small-town feel despite its proximity to Richmond's metropolitan area of over one million people. The location appeals to students seeking focused study environments without complete isolation from city resources. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Southside College of Health Sciences with similar schools in the region.
Address
Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$71,380
Median Earnings (5 years)
$73,913
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$53,800
Loan Repayment Rate
64.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$146/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,758

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student experience like at Southside College of Health Sciences?

The college maintains an intimate learning environment with just 91 students and a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Women make up 92.31% of the student body, reflecting the school's focus on healthcare fields where female professionals are highly represented. The Roman Catholic institution operates on a semester calendar system in Colonial Heights, Virginia.

How much does Southside College of Health Sciences cost after financial aid?

Students graduate with a median debt of $13,758, which translates to monthly loan payments of $146. Only 31.07% of students receive financial aid, suggesting the school may be affordable for many families. The federal loan rate stands at 56.31%, indicating moderate borrowing levels among students.

What are the academic programs like at Southside College of Health Sciences?

The college specializes in health sciences education as a 2-year private institution. Students benefit from exceptional individual attention with the 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, one of the lowest in the country. The school's focus on healthcare training prepares students for immediate entry into growing medical fields.

What are the job outcomes for Southside College of Health Sciences graduates?

Graduates achieve a remarkable 100% employment rate, demonstrating the school's effectiveness in job placement. Median earnings reach $71,380 within 10 years of graduation, well above the national average for associate degree holders. The loan repayment rate of 64.10% reflects graduates' ability to manage their educational debt.

Where is Southside College of Health Sciences located?

The campus sits in Colonial Heights, Virginia, a large suburban setting that provides access to healthcare facilities for clinical training. The location offers students proximity to Richmond's medical centers while maintaining a more affordable cost of living. This suburban environment supports the college's hands-on healthcare education mission.

How diverse is the student body at Southside College of Health Sciences?

The student population is 67.03% white and 21.98% Black, with smaller representations of Hispanic (1.10%) and Asian (2.20%) students. Men represent only 7.69% of enrollment, which aligns with national trends in healthcare education programs. The small size of 91 students creates a tight-knit community where diversity of thought and background can flourish.