Tidewater Community College: $5,714 Tuition

$5,714Tuition

11,797Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,349Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College serves nearly 12,000 students across the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. The college has built a reputation as a practical stepping stone for students seeking affordable career training or preparation for four-year universities. Students choose from programs ranging from nursing and cybersecurity to maritime technology, reflecting the area's naval and port industries. With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, classes offer more personal attention than many large universities.

The financial picture makes TCC attractive to budget-conscious students. Net prices average $7,991 annually, but drop to just $6,245 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates typically carry only $10,000 in debt with manageable monthly payments of $106. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $38,349, making the investment worthwhile for most students. The 87.2% employment rate shows employers value TCC credentials.

The student body reflects the region's diversity, with 31% Black students and 41% Hispanic students. Nearly all students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 30% graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working. TCC's Storm athletics program competes in NJCAA Division III.

Academics & Faculty

Tidewater Community College serves as a regional workforce pipeline with strong ties to Norfolk's maritime and healthcare industries. The college offers over 160 degree and certificate programs, with nursing, maritime technology, and cybersecurity drawing significant enrollment. Students work with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, which provides reasonable access to instructors despite the college's size of 11,797 students. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. TCC's academic focus centers on career preparation rather than theoretical study. Programs align closely with Hampton Roads employers, particularly the naval shipyard and regional hospitals that actively recruit graduates.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,349

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$51,960
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$50,439
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science.	Associate	$47,260
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$46,282
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.	Certificate	$44,542
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$36,668
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$36,668
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$34,526
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$30,687

View all 84 programs →

Campus Life

Norfolk's maritime climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but rarely face snow or freezing temperatures. Nearly all of TCC's 11,797 students commute from home, with 98.27% coming from Virginia. The college operates four campuses across the Hampton Roads area, with the main Norfolk campus serving as the center for most activities.

With a 21:1 student-faculty ratio, expect moderately sized classes where you can still get individual attention. Women make up 58.64% of the student body, creating a balanced but female-leaning environment. The diverse student population reflects Norfolk's military heritage, with 40.85% white students, 31.07% Black students, and growing Hispanic and Asian communities.

Weekend life revolves around the broader Hampton Roads region rather than campus events. Students often head to Virginia Beach, explore Norfolk's downtown arts district, or take advantage of the area's military museums and naval attractions. The Storm athletics program provides some campus spirit, though most students balance work and family commitments alongside their studies. Study groups and career-focused clubs offer the main social connections on campus.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1968

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	6
Burglary	1	0
Robbery	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–48°F
July Avg: 71°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.3"
Annual Snowfall: 3.0"

Student Demographics

Tidewater Community College draws nearly all its students from Virginia, reflecting its strong reputation as Hampton Roads' top transfer and workforce training destination. Women make up 59% of the student body, typical for community colleges that emphasize health sciences and social services programs. The campus serves a diverse population where white and Black students each represent about 40% and 31% respectively. With 29% of students receiving Pell Grants, TCC fulfills its mission of providing affordable higher education access to working-class families throughout the Norfolk metropolitan area.

Men: 41.4%
Women: 58.6%
White: 40.9%
Black: 31.1%
Hispanic: 12.1%
Asian: 4.8%
In-State Students: 98.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.1%

Location

TCC operates across multiple campuses in Norfolk, Virginia, a mid-sized port city of about 238,000 residents. Norfolk sits in the heart of Hampton Roads, just 15 miles from Virginia Beach and 200 miles south of Washington, D.C. The area serves as home to the world's largest naval base, creating a military-focused economy alongside the bustling Port of Virginia. Students experience an urban coastal environment where Navy ships dominate the skyline and the Chesapeake Bay shapes daily life. The college draws 98.27% of its students from Virginia, reflecting strong local ties to the region's maritime industries and military installations. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Tidewater Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Norfolk, Virginia 23510

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,349
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,864
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Tidewater Community College?

Community colleges like Tidewater Community College typically have open enrollment policies, meaning they accept all students with a high school diploma or GED. With 11,797 students enrolled, TCC serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in the Hampton Roads region. Nearly all students are Virginia residents at 98.27%, reflecting the college's role as a local educational resource.

How much does Tidewater Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,991 annually at Tidewater Community College. In-state tuition costs $5,714 while out-of-state students pay $11,717. The college keeps education affordable with low-income students paying just $6,245 net price, making it one of the most budget-friendly options for Virginia residents.

What academic programs is Tidewater Community College known for?

TCC operates with a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its multiple campuses in the Norfolk area. The college has built a strong reputation for workforce development programs that prepare students for in-demand careers in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Many students use TCC as a stepping stone to four-year universities through transfer agreements.

What are the employment outcomes for Tidewater Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 87.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market success. The median earnings reach $38,349 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical career training TCC provides. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $10,000 median, keeping monthly loan payments around $106.

Where are Tidewater Community College's campuses located?

TCC operates four campuses throughout the Hampton Roads metropolitan area in Virginia. The college serves Norfolk and surrounding communities with a diverse student body that is 58.64% women and includes significant representation from Virginia's Black community at 31.07%. The Storm athletics teams compete at various campus locations.

Does Tidewater Community College offer good financial aid support?

About 29.05% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many low-income families. However, only 9.23% receive institutional grants averaging $6,198, as community colleges typically rely more on federal and state aid programs. The relatively low federal loan rate of 9.11% shows most students can afford TCC without borrowing heavily.