Virginia’s Community Colleges will support you every step along the way
Virginia’s Community Colleges will support you every step along the way of your college experience, whether you’re working toward an associate degree, a job training credential, a transfer to a four-year school or just want to take classes for fun. We’re here to help.
Start the application process now.
General Admission
To qualify for general admission to a college, you must have a high school diploma, its equivalent, or be 18 years of age or older.
Residency Requirements
For information regarding residency requirements, visit the links below.
Degree-Seeking Students
If you plan to attend full or part-time and work towards a degree, diploma, or certificate you must also be admitted to a curriculum. In addition to the completed admission form, degree-seeking (curriculum) students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics.
Admission to a college or a curriculum does not necessarily guarantee admission to a particular program.
Non-Degree-Seeking Students
If you are planning to take classes without completing a certificate, diploma, or degree program, you are classified as a non-curriculum student. You will need to complete the application for admission and fulfill any prerequisite requirements as outlined in the College Catalog.
Transfer Students
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted if you are requesting transfer credit. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the college from the institution in a sealed envelope.
We’re Here to Help
Which college is closest to where I live?
Go to the College Locator and enter your five-digit zip code. Most of Virginia’s Community Colleges are within a half-hour’s drive from anywhere in the commonwealth.
How do I search for programs or courses offered at the community college?
Go here, enter a keyword (e.g., physics) and hit “search.” You will be presented with a list of courses and offering institutions.
I want to pursue an associate degree. How do I start?
Visit this webpage and speak with an advisor at a community college nearest you. You want to make an informed decision. We’re here to help.
How do I apply for financial aid?
While we pride ourselves for being the best, most affordable option in higher education, we know paying for college isn’t easy. Financial aid is available to qualifying students. The information you need to get the ball rolling can be found here.
I have questions regarding residency requirements. How can I learn more?
We strongly encourage you to visit this webpage and pay special attention to the three (3) tabs under “Residency Requirements.” You will learn what does and does not meet the legal domicile requirements in the state of Virginia.
I want to transfer to a four-year college. What do I need to do?
Thousands of our students transfer to four-year institutions each year. It’s never too early to create a transfer plan and we have all the tools to help you along the way. You can begin here.
My company is downsizing. I need to find another career. Can you help?
It’s not uncommon for people to switch careers nowadays. In fact, it happens a lot more frequently than you might imagine.
You can develop an entirely new skill set, one that could make you a highly sought-after commodity in today’s ever-changing workplace. You can also earn a credential in a very short period of time.
You can use the information found here to begin reinventing yourself today.
I served in the second Persian Gulf War and Afghanistan. Do you guys help veterans find jobs?
We are committed to helping our nation’s veterans and their family members every step of the way.
Want to know more about how we can help you transition to a productive and meaningful life as a civilian? Start with our Serving Veterans section.
Can I apply to two or more community colleges at the same time?
Yes. But you must complete an enrollment application for each college you plan to attend. Get started!
Making College Affordable for Everyone
Virginia’s Community Colleges aim to keep tuition costs low for every student. But many students still need help to cover a variety of costs such as room and board, books and transportation. The financial aid officers at each of our 23 colleges can provide information on eligibility and application processes for federal, state, and local financial aid programs.
Tuition and Fees
Learn more about our tuition and fees.
Financial Assistance
Need financial resources? Check out our Financial Assistance page.
G3
G3 tuition assistance is for high-demand career programs. Learn more about G3
Get Started
For 24/7/365 Student Account and Financial Aid Support, please call our toll-free number at (844) 897-9096.
Community College is Your Foundation
Virginia’s Community Colleges remain a smart choice for students who are beginning postsecondary education or returning to college mid-career.
Virginia community college tuition and mandatory education and general fees are approximately one-third of the comparable costs of attending Virginia’s public four-year universities.
For the 2022-23 academic year (starting with fall semester), in-state tuition and mandatory education and general fees for our colleges will be approximately $2,310 for a semester of full-time study (15 credit hours). Note that Virginia’s G3 tuition assistance program covers tuition, fees and expenses for qualifying students pursuing high-demand programs. Also, in-state tuition may apply to certain military dependents, active military members, dual enrolled students, and other special categories of students. Details from the admissions office at your local community college.
Current Tuition Rates
Tuition rates set by the State Board for Community Colleges: beginning in the Fall Semester for the 2022-23 academic year (adopted July 2022 ) are as follows:
Virginia Resident – $154.00 per credit hour
Out-of-State Resident – $354.10 per credit hour
A tuition differential is charged at Northern Virginia, J. Sargeant Reynolds, Brightpoint, Germanna, Piedmont Virginia, Virginia Peninsula, Tidewater, and Virginia Western Community Colleges. In addition, most Virginia Community Colleges have some mandatory local student fees. Please consult your individual community college for complete information about tuition at your college and any local parking or student activity fees that may apply.
Below are the statewide tuition rates, per credit hour, as approved by the State Board for Community Colleges:
| College(s) | In-State | Out-of-State | Business Contract Out-of-State | E-rate Out-of-State |
| VCCS Academic Year 2020-21 (Fall Semester)Tuition and Mandatory Fees (for all colleges except those below) | $154.00 | $354.10 | $237.50 | $259.50 |
| Northern Virginia Community College Academic Year 2020-21 (Fall Semester) | $180.40 | $383.15 | $263.90 | $288.55 |
| J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Academic Year 2020-21 (Fall Semester) | $158.10 | $358.20 | $241.60 | $263.60 |
| Tidewater, Thomas Nelson and Virginia Western Community Colleges Academic Year 2020-21 (Fall Semester) | $156.00 | $356.10 | $239.50 | $261.50 |
| Piedmont Virginia, John Tyler and Germanna Community Colleges Academic Year 2020-21 (Fall Semester) | $155.00 | $355.10 | $238.50 | $260.50 |
Tuition rates referenced above exclude approved mandatory student fees set by the State Board for each individual community college.
3 Forms of Financial Aid
Grants & Scholarships
Financial support that requires no work or repayment.
Work-Study
Paid employment for a non-profit organization on or off-campus.
Loans
Financial support that must be repaid, normally commencing six months after graduation.
*For information about the forms of financial aid offered by Virginia’s Community Colleges, see this document.
Federal Aid
The U.S. Department of Education provides information for those interested in going to college. You can find information about preparing for college, federal aid types, qualifications, applying, and loans on their website.
The office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion in federal grants, loans, and work-study funds to more than 15 million students every year. The first step to accessing these funds is to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If you’re saving for or paying education costs for yourself or another student who’s a member of your immediate family, you may be entitled to federal tax benefits.
For 24/7/365 Student Account and Financial Aid Support, please call our toll-free number at (844) 897-9096
Virginia Aid
There are a variety of financial resources available through state programs for those interested in furthering their education, including G3 tuition assistance.
Since its inception, Virginia529 has proven to be a very popular program because of its tax advantages.
Institutional Aid
Virginia’s community colleges offer a tuition grant program specifically designed for foster youth. Also, financial awards are made available through a competitive scholarship program that’s funded by both NASA and the Commonwealth of Virginia called the Virginia Space Grant Consortium.
The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) offers several scholarships specifically targeted to community college students.
Additional Information on Financial Aid
Community College v. 4-Year University
The Virginia Education Wizard is a one-stop, online resource that helps students launch, track and complete meaningful college experiences and find high-pay, high-demand careers that work for them.
As a testament to the Wizard’s success, it has received national, state, and regional awards and recognition for its innovation, including a Campus Technology Innovators Award and the Governor’s Technology Award, the highest honor for technology in Virginia.
Our Virginia Education Wizard calculator will let you compare the cost of one of Virginia’s Community Colleges to four-year Virginia Universities. See how much you can save!