Community colleges are local, affordable schools that give you practical training, college credits, and a clear path to a better job or a four-year degree. Community colleges focus on hands-on programs, associate degrees, and certificates that prepare students quickly for work in fields like nursing, IT, business, and skilled trades. They also make it easy to transfer credits to four-year schools for those who want a bachelor’s degree later.
Virginia has a strong community college system with many campuses across the state, so whether you live in a city or a small town, there’s usually a nearby option that fits your needs and budget. In this article, we picked the best community colleges you can find in Virginia by checking things that matter to students: program quality, accreditation, tuition and fees, transfer agreements with universities, online and evening class options, and support services like tutoring and career help.
Our goal is simple: show you the community colleges that give the most value: solid programs, clear transfer paths, and real career outcomes. Scroll down to see the seven schools we vetted and learn what each one offers, how much it costs, and why students choose them.
Best Community Colleges in Virginia
1. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is one of the largest and most respected community colleges in the state. It offers a wide range of programs, including business, information technology, health sciences, and engineering.
Tuition is among the lowest in Virginia, with in-state students paying roughly $180 per credit hour, making it a top choice for affordability. NOVA also has strong transfer agreements with major universities like George Mason University and Virginia Tech, allowing students to move easily into bachelor’s degree programs after earning their associate degree.
2. Tidewater Community College (TCC)
Tidewater Community College is one of Virginia’s most popular and affordable options for students who want flexibility and quality education. It offers over 150 programs, including strong options in business administration, criminal justice, health sciences, and information technology.
Tuition for in-state students is about $185 per credit hour, keeping it budget-friendly for both new and returning learners. TCC is especially known for its military-friendly environment and online learning options, making it ideal for working adults or service members.
3. Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC)
Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) is known for its personalized learning experience and high student satisfaction ratings. Located in Charlottesville, it offers degrees in nursing, business, arts, and science, with affordable tuition of around $180 per credit hour.
PVCC’s small class sizes and supportive instructors make it a great fit for students who value individual attention. The college also partners with the University of Virginia and other top schools for easy credit transfers.
4. Virginia Western Community College (VWCC)
Virginia Western Community College is located in Roanoke and has built a strong reputation for its hands-on programs in healthcare, advanced technology, and business. The college offers affordable tuition—about $180 per credit hour for in-state students, making it a practical choice for those seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.
VWCC also provides several workforce training and technical programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.
5. Brightpoint Community College
Formerly known as John Tyler Community College, Brightpoint Community College serves central Virginia with affordable and flexible learning opportunities. The school offers programs in nursing, cybersecurity, education, and liberal arts, as well as several online and hybrid options.
Tuition costs roughly $180 per credit hour, and the college provides generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Brightpoint’s partnerships with universities such as Virginia Commonwealth University make transferring smooth for students aiming to earn a bachelor’s degree later.
6. New River Community College (NRCC)
New River Community College, located in Dublin, Virginia, is known for combining affordability with quality hands-on training. The school offers associate degrees and certificates in fields like criminal justice, business, education, and health sciences, with tuition averaging around $180 per credit hour for in-state students.
NRCC has a strong reputation for workforce development and provides excellent online learning options for students who need flexibility. The college also partners with universities through guaranteed transfer programs, making it easy for graduates to continue their studies.
7. Reynolds Community College (RCC)
Reynolds Community College serves the Richmond area and offers a wide range of affordable academic and career-focused programs. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $180 per credit hour, and the college provides several financial aid and scholarship options.
Reynolds stands out for its strong programs in health sciences, business, culinary arts, and information technology. It’s also well-regarded for its online learning platform, which allows students to study from anywhere without sacrificing quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a community college?
A community college is a two-year public institution that offers affordable education focused on practical skills and career training. Students can earn associate degrees, technical certificates, or transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree. They’re especially good for people who want to start a career quickly or save money before moving on to a four-year university.
2. Can I get a good job with a community college degree?
Yes, absolutely. Many community college programs are designed with employers in mind. Fields like nursing, IT, engineering technology, and business all have strong job markets for graduates with associate degrees or certificates. Employers value the hands-on experience that community college students gain during their training.
3. What kind of careers can I pursue after community college?
You can build a career in areas like healthcare, criminal justice, education, information technology, manufacturing, business, and skilled trades. Many students become registered nurses, dental hygienists, computer support specialists, or early childhood educators after completing their programs.
4. How much can I earn with a community college degree?
Earnings depend on your program and location, but associate degree holders in Virginia typically earn between $40,000 and $65,000 per year, especially in technical and healthcare fields. Some graduates earn even more after gaining work experience or continuing their education.
5. Are community college programs recognized by employers?
Yes. Virginia’s community colleges are regionally accredited and work closely with industries to ensure their programs match current job demands. This makes graduates job-ready and competitive in the labor market.
6. Can I transfer to a university after graduating?
Definitely. Most community colleges in Virginia have guaranteed transfer agreements with major universities. Once you complete your associate degree and meet the GPA requirement, you can continue your studies seamlessly toward a bachelor’s degree.
7. Do community colleges offer job placement or career support?
Yes, many community colleges have career centers that help students with job searches, résumé writing, and internship placements. Some even host career fairs and connect students directly with local employers who are hiring.
8. Can I study online and still find good job opportunities?
Yes. Online programs offer the same quality and accreditation as on-campus classes. Employers care more about the school’s credibility and your skills than whether you studied online or in person.
9. How affordable is a community college education?
Tuition for in-state students in Virginia is around $180 per credit hour, making community colleges one of the cheapest ways to earn a respected qualification. You can also apply for financial aid, scholarships, or work-study programs to cut costs even further.
10. Who should consider attending a community college?
Community colleges are perfect for high school graduates, working adults, or anyone looking to gain new skills for better job opportunities. They offer flexibility, affordable tuition, and a clear path to stable, well-paying careers.