Best Community Colleges in Virginia of 2023

With affordable tuition, several high-quality educational pathways, and exceptional student support services, Wytheville Community College is the best community college in Virginia. Students can choose from tracks in computer technology, public services, technical trade, business, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. The school also offers short-term non-credit training for in-demand careers within the Wytheville Community College service region. These programs help students kickstart their careers by completing training classes in 13 weeks or less. While tuition is already affordable at $154 per credit, students can offset these costs further by applying for one of the many scholarships the school offers, most of which only require students to have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Wytheville Community College also provides a number of student support services, including academic advising, career support services, and a student help desk.

Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, VA, offers a wide range of activities for students to participate in, from student clubs to recreational tennis courts. The school offers over 30 associate’s degrees, multiple certificate programs, and 36 short-term career studies certificates, making it an excellent option for students who want to pursue a four-year degree and those who wish to enter the workforce quickly. The school’s programs encompass a variety of subjects, including energy technology, education, and business. MECC accommodates distance learners by offering fully-online, asynchronous courses and certificate programs, allowing working adults to complete their studies on their own schedules.

Southside Virginia Community College Alberta, VA, serves the largest area out of all Virginia community colleges. The school covers ten surrounding cities, serves about 4,700 students, has a secondary campus in Keysville, has three education centers, and operates several off-campus sites throughout the region. Students can choose from eight transfer-ready associate degrees, several one-year certificate programs, and over 30 short-term career studies certificates. Each transferable associate’s degree meets general education requirements and the requirements for one area of focus, including subjects like business administration, agribusiness, and education. Students also enjoy several on-campus activities, including a basketball program, honors societies, and several student clubs at each of the school’s campuses.

Residents of Locust Grove, VA, Fredericksburg, and seven surrounding counties can attend Germanna Community College to receive an affordable, high-quality education. With two major campuses in Spotsylvania and Locust Grove and technology and learning centers, the school provides credit courses, workforce training, dual enrollment, and other academic services to its students. Germanna Community College is the ideal choice for students planning to transfer to a four-year university after completing their associate’s degrees. GCC partners with several universities to guarantee transfers, including DeVry University, the University of Virginia, Virginia State University, and Virginia Tech. Germanna graduates with an Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree, Associate of Science in Engineering Degree, and in some cases, an Associate in Applied Science Degree are guaranteed admission to these universities with junior-level status.

With two main campuses in Glenns and Warsaw, Rappahannock Community College serves a large, diverse community in Virginia. The school is home to countless amenities, including lecture halls, a library, a modern testing center, recreational activities for students, clubs, leadership programs, and labs. RCC offers more than 40 degree and certificate programs, including cybersecurity, accounting, and nursing programs. Rappahannock Community College is the best option for adult education as it provides comprehensive courses that enable adult learners to develop knowledge in order to obtain their GEDs, qualify for post-secondary education, and improve their basic literacy and numeracy skills. Adult education classes are free for students, and the school offers students the opportunity to earn a Career Readiness Certificate, showcasing their competence in workplace skills such as reading and applied math.

Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, VA, serves more than 5,000 students and provides them with the opportunity to participate in a number of extracurricular activities, including student clubs, athletics, and student government. The school frequently hosts events such as movie nights and workshops to improve the student experience. Students can choose from various programs of study, ranging from business and healthcare to public safety and social and behavioral sciences. CVCC stands out as the best community college in Virginia for high school students. It offers dual enrollment, summer academies, and summer internships to high school and middle school students who want to explore their career options and get a head start on their post-secondary education.

Located in Charlottesville, VA, Piedmont Virginia Community College serves students in the Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. PVCC provides over 60 academic programs, including associate’s degrees, certificates, and short-term training designed to help students enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Programs of study include several popular and unique majors like accounting, cybersecurity, distilling and spirits, engineering, and plumbing. While most community colleges require students to have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for admission, Piedmont Virginia Community College is open to anyone over 18 and individuals under 18 who meet specific requirements. This flexible admissions process makes PVCC one of the most accessible community colleges in the state.

Easter Shore Community College in Melfa, VA, is the best community college in the state for students interested in job training programs. While the school offers several transfer degrees and certificate programs, ESCC offers high-quality job training through its FastForward programs. These programs help prepare students for high-demand jobs quickly, and most of these programs can be completed in just a few weeks or months. ESCC’s FastForward programs prepare students for careers as pharmacy technicians, electricians, nursing aids, customer services representatives, and similar jobs that don’t require four-year degrees. Throughout their time at ESCC, students can find helpful support services like career support services, free telehealth services, health coaching, on-demand mental health support, tutoring, and academic advising.

Based in Cedar Bluff, VA, Southwest Virginia Community College offers students the opportunity to choose from several educational pathways, including education, business, industry and manufacturing, general studies, and engineering and information technology. Students can work with counselors and advisers to plan a program that suits their interests and career goals. SVCC offers other excellent support services, including mental health support, career guidance, and tutoring. Southwest Virginia Community College also offers the best tuition assistance program of other community colleges in the area. The Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back (G3) program assists any student who qualifies for in-state tuition and has a total household income of less than $106,000 for a family of four or less than $51,000 for a single adult. This program makes up the difference between what federal or state financial aid pays for and the remaining cost of tuition, books, and program fees.

New River Community College in Dublin, VA, offers a wide range of associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates that encompass subjects like business administration, accounting, machine technology, nursing, forensic science, and human services. New River Community College is a great choice for tradespeople as the school offers workforce development programs and license renewal courses for journeymen, plumbers, electricians, HVAC mechanics, and gas fitters. These courses help tradespeople develop skills, advance careers, and maintain steady employment in in-demand trades. Students at New River Community College can find helpful career support services, academic advising services, and other student support services to plan their education and define their career goals.