Best Community Colleges in Virginia

Wytheville Community College serves learners from Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe counties, as well as the city of Galax. More than 3,000 credit students attend classes each year at WCC's main Wytheville campus and two extension centers in Galax and Marion.

WCC offers one of the largest program selections of any community college in Virginia. The academic catalog features more than 60 pathways for students interested in general education, university transfer, career and technical training, workforce development, or continuing education. Represented academic disciplines include business, science, education, healthcare, and technology. Thirteen certificates and two degrees can be earned entirely online. Campus engagement opportunities include clubs, organizations, and extramural sports.

All prospective students with a high school diploma or GED certificate qualify for admission to WCC. Most incoming students must complete placement tests before beginning classes.

Mountain Empire Community College serves residents of Dickenson, Lee, Scott, and Wise counties, as well as the City of Norton. Its main campus in Big Stone Gap encompasses a variety of academic buildings and outdoor facilities including recreational tennis courts and a firing range. Students can participate in clubs, intramurals, and events including alternative spring break trips.

MECC offers 32 two-year associate degrees, 10 one-year certificates, and 36 short-term career studies certificates. Respectively, these programs require 60-69, 30-59, and 9-29 credits to complete. MECC diverse programs options include an associate degree in pre-teacher education, an associate in energy technology, and a unique career studies certificate in old time music. A number of individual courses and full certificates allow for asynchronous online completion.

As an open-admissions school, MECC accepts all students who have graduated high school or completed an equivalency program. A complete application and official transcripts are required.

Southside Virginia Community College encompasses the largest geographic service area of all community colleges in Virginia, covering ten surrounding counties and the City of Emporia. SVCC welcomes approximately 4,700 students each year at the main campus in Alberta, a second campus in Keysville, three education centers, and a number of smaller off-campus sites throughout the region.

Students at SVCC can choose from 31 short-term career studies certificates, 10 one-year certificates, 12 career-focused associate degrees, and eight transfer-ready associate degrees. Each transferable associate of arts and sciences fulfills general education requirements and provides study in one of seven focus areas, including teacher education preparation, business administration, administration of justice, and agribusiness. SVCC offers online and hybrid courses for students who require scheduling flexibility.

To apply for a credit-bearing program, prospective students must provide high school transcripts or proof of GED completion, and ACT/SAT scores if available. Students without qualifying test scores must complete placement exams prior to course enrollment.

Rappahannock Community College educates students at two main campuses in Glenns and Warsaw. Each full-service location offers classrooms, labs, lecture halls, a library, testing center, and recreation areas. Three additional sites in Kilmarnock, King George, and New Kent expand RCC services to the surrounding communities. Students can participate in on-campus activities and events, leadership programs, intramural sports, clubs, and off-site trips.

More than 40 academic programs are available at RCC's various locations, including transfer programs, career-focused associate degrees, and short-term and one-year certificates. Guaranteed admission agreements ensure seamless transfer to more than 45 universities both in and out of state. RCC also offers an extensive distance learning program, with 13 credentials available through online and hybrid courses. Some of RCC's newest program offerings include pre-BSN, networking and cybersecurity, and a diesel certificate.

RCC is an open-admissions college. Prospective students must complete an application, provide required documentation, and take a placement test unless exempt.

Originally founded as a two-year branch of a four-year university, Patrick & Henry Community College joined the ranks of independent community colleges in Virginia in 1964. PHCC is now a comprehensive, open-admissions school serving Martinsville and surrounding counties. Approximately 2,900 students enroll each year. The 137-acre main campus is supplemented by several off-site workforce development and training centers.

PHCC offers transferable associate degrees, career-ready associate degrees, and certificates. General studies, science, and health sciences are the most popular programs at PHCC, but students can select from a variety of diverse fields and disciplines including business technology, legal assisting, and culinary arts. Asynchronous distance learning is also available. Outside of class, students can join NJCAA sports teams, arts and culture events, and clubs and organizations.

To qualify for admission, applicants must provide official high school transcripts or a GED certificate. Placement testing is required unless exempt via test scores or GPA.

Central Virginia Community College serves more than 5,000 students through a main campus in Lynchburg and three extension centers in Amherst, Appomattox, and Bedford. Like other community colleges in Virginia, this two-year institution offers a number of extracurricular activities -- including clubs, organizations, sports, and student government -- to help provide opportunities for networking, growth, and leadership development.

CVCC offers programs of study in business, education, health sciences, art and humanities, public safety, STEM, industry/manufacturing, and social and behavioral sciences. Options include six transfer degrees, 19 associate degrees, 19 one-year certificates, and 10 short-term certificates, including a popular RN-to-paramedic bridge program. Students interested in online courses can choose from asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid formats.

Prospective students can apply to CVCC at no cost. Eligible applicants include high school graduates and GED recipients, college transfer students, and other learners who are over the age of 18.

A two-year institution, Laurel Ridge Community College (formerly Lord Fairfax Community College) serves more than 7,500 credit students and more than 10,000 noncredit students each year. Learning centers located in Luray and Warrenton supplement Laurel Ridge's two main campuses in Middletown and Fauquier. In addition to world-class education, these campuses offer a number of engagement opportunities: events, clubs, organizations, recreation, and volunteering.

Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degrees and certificate programs in varied disciplines including education, recreation and wellness, engineering, and administration of justice. Students undecided about their preferred focus area can complete a transferable general studies degree or general education certificate. The school features more than 300 online courses in addition to five fully online associate degrees and five fully online certificates.

Admission requirements vary for prospective credit and noncredit students. Applicants may need to provide proof of high school graduation or an equivalent. Health professions programs feature separate admissions procedures.

Originally established as a branch of the University of Virginia, Eastern Shore Community College joined the growing system of community colleges within the state in 1971. The school moved to its current 115-acre campus in Melfa in 1974 and today serves the academic, vocational, and professional development needs of residents of Accomack and Northampton counties.

ESCC's academic offerings encompass six associate degrees designed for university transfer, seven career-focused associate degrees, five one-year certificates, and eight short-term career studies certificates. Early childhood development, medical assisting, business administration, and science are among the diverse fields of study at ESCC. Hybrid learning options and online courses -- both synchronous and asynchronous -- are available. Outside of the classroom, students can engage in internships, clubs and organizations, cultural events, and trips abroad.

Both high school graduates and nongraduates can apply to ESCC. Applicants without a high school diploma or GED certificate may be admitted with qualifying scores in reading, writing, and math assessments.

Germanna Community College offers accessible, affordable education options for residents of the city of Fredericksburg and seven surrounding counties. The institution features two full-service campuses in Spotsylvania and Locust Grove as well as five technology and learning centers that provide expanded access to credit courses, workforce training, and other academic services.

GCC clusters programs into eight major pathways: business, health science, humanities and arts, IT and technical studies, public service, science and engineering, social science and education, and transfer programs. Each pathway offers a variety of associate degrees and one-year/short-term certificates designed to help prepare students for engaging careers in their preferred field. Some opportunities include paraprofessional counseling, cybersecurity, nursing, and business management. GCC offers online, hybrid, and interactive video courses.

GCC accepts applications from high school graduates and nongraduates alike. The school determines students' academic placement using prior coursework, GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and/or placement tests.

Piedmont Virginia Community College primarily serves residents of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties as well as the city of Charlottesville. A scenic main campus and two learning centers enroll approximately 6,000 students each year, a majority of whom attend on a part-time basis.

PVCC's 60 academic programs help fulfill student goals for short-term training, career preparation, or university transfer. Learners must complete 60-72 credits to earn an associate degree and 9-59 credits to earn a certificate. Diverse program options include accounting, multimedia and motion graphics, chemistry, and theatre and drama. Students can also choose from a selection of online courses. Like other community colleges in Virginia, PVCC is a nonresidential institution, but learners can participate in a variety of activities, clubs, sports, and events on campus.

An open-admissions policy offers placement to both high school graduates and eligible individuals without a diploma or GED certificate. Additional requirements may apply depending on program selection.