MEDIA CONTACT:
Craig Butterworth
PR Coordinator
(804) 516-8473
cbutterworth@vccs.edu
RICHMOND, VA — According to the Virginia Community College System’s newly released G3 Annual Report for 2025-26, students who completed workforce credentials through the tuition-assistance program saw their median annual wages more than double after graduation.
G3 provides tuition assistance to Virginia residents who qualify for in-state financial aid, meet income eligibility requirements, and enroll in an associate-degree or workforce credential program tied to a high-demand field — including healthcare, information technology, education, public safety, manufacturing and skilled trades, and hospitality and culinary arts.
Among students who completed G3-funded academic credit programs in 2023-24, the report found that median annual wages rose from $21,916 before enrollment to $44,676 after completion — a gain of more than 100 percent. Completers also out-earned their peers who left their programs without finishing: their post-program median wage was roughly $10,500 higher than that of non-completers.
Wage growth was strongest in fields tied directly to Virginia’s most in-demand industries. For instance, students who completed healthcare programs saw the largest wage gains, with post-completion earnings about $35,000 higher than their pre-enrollment wages.
Chancellor David Doré said the results underscore the program’s core value proposition: “Helping low- and middle-income Virginians earn credentials that translate directly into higher-paying jobs in fields the Commonwealth needs for continued economic prosperity.”
The wage findings are part of a broader year of growth for the G3 program. Other highlights for the 2025-26 academic year include:
- 20,129 Virginia Community College System students received approximately $34.4 million in G3 tuition-assistance.
- 2,974 G3 credit students earned 3,987 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
- 4,039 G3 noncredit Workforce Credential Grant Workforce Credential Grant students completed 6,485 programs, and 2,558 of them earned 3,990 industry credentials.
- Enrollment spanned six high-demand industries, led by manufacturing and skilled trades (36% of enrollments) and healthcare (35%).
About the Virginia Community College System
Founded in 1966, The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) plays a crucial role in providing higher education and workforce training across the state. With 23 colleges serving the diverse needs of the commonwealth, VCCS supports over 230,000 students annually. Notably, Virginia’s community colleges account for nearly half (48%) of all public undergraduate students in the state. With more than 5.5 million alumni, VCCS is not just a singular institution; it represents Virginia’s commitment to accessible education. The system connects with nearly every household in Virginia through various programs, including high school dual enrollment, workforce credentials, and affordable degree pathways, making higher education attainable for all.
