Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Virginia Highlands Community College
Set in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, Virginia Highlands Community College is known for clear transfer pathways and career-focused training. Courses lean on hands-on learning across health, business, technology, and skilled trades. Students count on a library and learning commons that double as a campus hub, with tutoring, advising, computer labs, quiet corners, and helpful staff. The college has a reputation for a close-knit, down-to-earth culture where different ages and life stages study side by side, and instructors know their students.
Clubs, student government, and service projects keep campus life moving, and nearby trails invite hiking, biking, and quick resets between classes. Career services link learners with regional employers through job fairs, internships, and coaching. Abingdon's historic downtown adds galleries, theater, and local food to the weekend plan. The standout is the practical streak and steady support. It is a place built for momentum, with a friendly pace and room to grow.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) offers 33 degree programs across 13 major academic fields, graduating approximately 593 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 182 graduates), Health (8 programs, 158 graduates), Construction (1 programs, 59 graduates), Mechanics (2 programs, 55 graduates) and Production (2 programs, 45 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 182 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 123 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 59 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
24.0199 |
Health (8 programs, 158 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 76 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Health Information Technology | 19 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
51.0707 |
| Health and Medical Administration | 16 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0799 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions | 13 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0999 |
| Radiologic Technology | 12 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0904 |
| Mental and Social Health Services | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1599 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
Construction (1 programs, 59 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 59 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
46.0302 |
Mechanics (2 programs, 55 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology | 41 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0201 |
| Diesel Mechanics Technology | 14 |
|
Other Award
|
47.0605 |
Production (2 programs, 45 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 25 |
|
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
| Precision Metal Working | 20 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
48.0599 |
Eng. Technologies (5 programs, 34 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technologies | 15 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0699 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 11 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0303 |
| Industrial Technology | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0612 |
| Environmental Control Technologies | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15.0599 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0613 |
Business (4 programs, 23 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality Management | 10 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0901 |
| Business Operations Support | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0499 |
| Business Administration and Management | 3 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0299 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0399 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 14 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 13 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0103 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0102 |
Computer & IT (2 programs, 9 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 7 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11.0101 |
| Web and Digital Multimedia Design | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0801 |
Agriculture (1 programs, 6 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Horticulture | 6 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
01.0601 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC)
How much does it cost to attend Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC)?
The annual tuition at Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) is $4,863 for in-state students and $10,866 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $6,263 for in-state students and $12,266 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $3,330 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,400.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Virginia Highlands Community College offer?
Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) offers 33 academic programs across 13 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (8 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (1 programs)
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (2 programs)
- Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts (2 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) provides financial aid to 12% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $5,928 and average loans of $4,925.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,139
- State/Local grants: $1,372
- Institutional grants: $1,445
The university supports 220 students with grants and 3 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Virginia Highlands Community College graduates?
Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) graduates earn a median salary of $31,926 after 6 years and $32,681 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,350 (25th percentile) to $49,153 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $50,900 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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