Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $32,681
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
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 | $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 |
Outcomes Overview
Virginia Highlands graduates enter the workforce with virtually no debt burden since the federal loan rate stands at 0%. This creates an immediate advantage in a region where median earnings hit $32,681 after ten years. The 91.6% employment rate reflects strong local demand for the college's healthcare, business, and technical program graduates. Monthly debt payments of zero mean graduates keep their entire paychecks while peers at four-year schools typically surrender 10-15% of income to loans. The combination of job-focused training, regional employer connections, and debt-free completion makes this a strong return on investment for students seeking immediate workforce entry in southwest Virginia's growing healthcare and manufacturing sectors.