Virginia Highlands Community College: $4,863 Tuition

$4,863Tuition

1,335Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,681Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Virginia Highlands Community College

Virginia Highlands Community College serves 1,335 students in the heart of Appalachian Virginia, where mountain culture meets practical education. The college has built its reputation around career training programs that match regional job markets, from healthcare to advanced manufacturing. Students come primarily from southwestern Virginia, with 96% hailing from in-state. The small-town Abingdon setting creates tight-knit connections between faculty and students, reflected in an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The financial equation works strongly in students' favor here. After aid, most students pay around $5,112 annually, making this one of Virginia's most affordable higher education options. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,811 net price. Graduates see solid returns on their investment, with median earnings reaching $41,092 five years after completion. The 91.6% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success in the region's growing economy.

Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 64%, reflecting the college's strength in nursing and allied health programs. The 42% graduation rate mirrors national community college trends, where students often balance work and family responsibilities. The Wolves compete in regional athletics, though most students focus on completing degrees efficiently to enter the workforce.

Academics & Faculty

Virginia Highlands Community College serves as a gateway for students in southwestern Virginia's Appalachian region. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors across career and transfer programs. About 42% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the college's role as both a stepping stone to four-year universities and a direct path to employment. The school emphasizes workforce development in fields critical to the region like healthcare, business, and trades. Nearly 96% of students come from Virginia, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Programs focus on practical skills that connect to local industries while maintaining strong transfer agreements with state universities for students planning to continue their education.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 30.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,681

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,370
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$37,568
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$17,846
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$17,425

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Virginia Highlands sits in the foothills of Appalachia, about 20 minutes from the Tennessee border in small-town Abingdon. Students need winter coats for chilly mountain winters and layers for unpredictable spring weather. The college serves as a commuter campus with no residential housing, drawing 95.57% of its students from Virginia.

With 1,335 students spread across a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, you'll likely recognize faces walking between buildings. Women make up 64.27% of enrollment, often pursuing popular nursing and healthcare programs. The campus feels quiet during traditional college party hours since most students head home after classes. Weekends revolve around part-time jobs, family obligations, and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains rather than campus events.

Students typically balance coursework with work schedules, reflected in the 91.6% employment rate. The Wolves compete in intramural sports, but don't expect big athletic traditions. Most social connections happen in study groups and career-focused clubs that align with the college's practical, get-to-work mission in rural Virginia.

Setting: Suburb-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–44°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 12.4"

Student Demographics

Virginia Highlands draws overwhelmingly from southwestern Virginia, with nearly all students staying close to home for affordable education and career training. Women make up almost two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services that traditionally attract female students. The school serves a working-class population, with over 40% receiving Pell Grants. Most students are white, mirroring the demographics of rural Appalachian Virginia. This community college fills a vital role providing accessible higher education in a region where four-year universities are scarce.

Men: 35.7%
Women: 64.3%
White: 88.6%
Black: 3.2%
Hispanic: 3.8%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 95.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.0%

Location

Virginia Highlands Community College sits in Abingdon, a small town in southwestern Virginia near the Tennessee border. The campus serves the rural Appalachian region, located about 130 miles from Knoxville and 300 miles from Richmond. With 95.57% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local mountain communities. Abingdon maintains a historic downtown and serves as a cultural center for the region, known for the Barter Theatre and its proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Virginia Highlands Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Abingdon, Virginia 24212-0828

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,681
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,092
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Virginia Highlands Community College?

Virginia Highlands Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The college enrolls 1,335 students and serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in southwestern Virginia. Nearly 96% of students come from in-state, reflecting its mission to serve the local Appalachian region.

How much does Virginia Highlands Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,112 annually, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Virginia. In-state tuition runs $4,863 while out-of-state students pay $10,866. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, and families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $4,811 after aid.

What academic programs is Virginia Highlands Community College known for?

The college offers career-focused programs and university transfer pathways with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Founded in 1967, it has built a reputation for serving rural southwestern Virginia with practical training programs. Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and business programs common at community colleges.

What are the job prospects for Virginia Highlands Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 91.6% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation in the region. Median earnings reach $32,681 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical skills training. The 41.7% six-year completion rate is typical for community colleges serving working adults and first-generation students.

Where is Virginia Highlands Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Abingdon, Virginia, a small suburban town in the heart of Appalachian country. With 1,335 students spread across a commuter-focused campus, it serves as an educational center for the region's rural communities. The Wolves compete in athletics while most students balance coursework with work and family responsibilities.

Does Virginia Highlands Community College serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 88.6% white, reflecting the demographics of rural southwestern Virginia where the college operates. About 3.2% of students are Black and 3.8% are Hispanic, with minimal representation from other ethnic groups. This composition mirrors the broader Appalachian region the college was founded to serve in 1967.