At $5,618/yr net price, Virginia Western Community College graduates earn $38,787/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,787/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,618 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,472 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,787/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,787/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,735/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,260/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,893/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,545/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,383/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $61,350 | $9,091 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,537 | $12,789 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $48,823 | $12,000 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,568 | $19,039 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $35,060 | $10,875 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $29,685 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $28,019 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $26,933 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $26,585 | $14,670 |
The Risk Factor
40.6% of students at Virginia Western Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Virginia Western Community College delivers solid financial returns for career-focused programs, but your major choice makes all the difference. The school's healthcare programs dominate earnings potential, with dental support services graduates earning $61,350 annually against just $9,091 in debt and registered nursing graduates pulling in $53,537 with $12,789 in debt. These programs offer strong ROI in Virginia's Roanoke Valley job market.
The financial picture weakens considerably outside healthcare. Business administration graduates earn $35,060 annually, which barely justifies even the low $10,875 debt load when you factor in opportunity costs. The 40% graduation rate signals completion risk, particularly concerning if you're not in a high-demand program.
You face specific risks at Virginia Western. Nearly 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many struggle with costs despite the low $5,618 annual price. The practical nursing program shows troubling economics with $19,039 in debt for $37,568 in earnings. Community college students often work while studying, extending time to degree and increasing total costs.
Virginia Western works financially if you're targeting healthcare careers and can complete your program quickly. The dental and nursing programs tap into strong regional healthcare demand in the Roanoke Valley. You should look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts transfers or general business programs, where four-year schools offer better long-term earning potential. Focus on completing your program in two years to maximize ROI, as extended enrollment erodes the community college cost advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virginia Western Community College worth the cost?
Virginia Western offers solid value with a low net price of $5,618 per year and median debt of just $11,000. However, the 40.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $38,787 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Virginia Western Community College?
Dental support programs lead with $61,350 average earnings, followed by registered nursing at $53,537. Business administration graduates earn significantly less at $35,060, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Virginia Western Community College students graduate with?
The median debt is $11,000, which is manageable for a community college. This low debt load helps offset the modest post-graduation earnings for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Virginia Western Community College?
Only 40.6% of students graduate, meaning nearly 6 out of 10 students leave without completing their program. This completion risk is the biggest concern for prospective students considering the school's value.