What Is It Known For?
Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) was founded in 1968 as part of the Virginia Community College System. This public community college serves a total of 3,410 undergraduate students, with 1,057 enrolled full-time and 2,353 studying part-time. The college’s size allows for personalized attention while maintaining the resources and program variety that students need to prepare for careers or transfer to four-year institutions throughout Virginia and beyond.
Degrees & Certifications
CVCC offers associate degrees and certificate programs across multiple fields. Some of the programs available include:
- Business Administration (AS)
- Information Systems Technology (AAS)
- Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic (AAS)
- Welding (AAS)
- Nursing (AAS)
- Culinary Arts (Certificate)
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
The college offers a broad spectrum of evening classes to accommodate daytime commitments. If you cannot get to campus regularly, the Distance Education Center provides access to online courses and hybrid formats from anywhere with internet access. However, specific fields require physical presence. Healthcare degrees like Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and Emergency Medical Services mandate hands-on clinical rotations. You complete these practical experiences at local hospitals and rescue squads to satisfy professional standards.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The college holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The school also has other accreditations.
Acceptance Rate
The college follows an open-door policy for admission. This approach results in an acceptance rate of 100% for all applicants who meet the basic entrance criteria.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition depends on your residency status. In-state students pay $168.30 per credit hour while out-of-state students pay $356.90 per credit hour. These figures represent base tuition only, and additional fees will increase the actual cost per credit hour. The college provides a net price calculator on its website that helps you estimate your total cost, including fees, books, and other expenses, based on your specific situation.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Business Administration
- Hospitality Management
- Management
Healthcare
- Certified Nurse Aid
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Health Sciences Pathway
- Medical Coding
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Skilled Trades
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- Electrical Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Industrial Maintenance
- Machine Tool
- Mechatronics
- Plumbing
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Information Systems Technology
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
Lynchburg 3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg , VA 24502
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews and student feedback, Central Virginia Community College is recognized as an affordable and accessible starting point for higher education in the Lynchburg area. While students consistently praise the faculty and campus resources, administrative hurdles—particularly regarding financial aid and registration—are a common point of frustration.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Dedicated Professors: Many students highlight that professors are “kind, helpful, and understanding,” often going out of their way to support non-traditional or returning students.
Comprehensive Student Support: The campus is noted for its high level of student-parent support, including a food pantry, free bus passes, and a fitness center. Students feel the college genuinely cares about their well-being outside the classroom.
Effective Specialized Programs: The Paramedic/EMT and Mechatronics programs are frequently cited for high-quality instruction that leads directly to professional proficiency and employment.
Affordable Foundation: Graduates often mention that CVCC provided a “profitable education” and a “calming environment” that successfully prepared them for transferring to four-year universities like UVA or ODU.
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid Challenges: This is the most consistent complaint. Students report difficulties reaching the financial aid office by phone, slow refund processing (sometimes taking months), and unexpected “returns” of grant funds that can lead to debt.
Administrative & Communication Gaps: Some reviewers mentioned being charged for classes they didn’t know they were enrolled in or experiencing long delays in the school reporting professional licensure hours to the state.
Guidance and Advising: While many find staff helpful, a subset of students feels that counselors sometimes put them in the wrong classes or provide inadequate guidance for specific career paths.
Bookstore Issues: There are mentions of “nightmare” experiences with the campus bookstore, though the college notes this facility is operated by an independent company.
Momentum
The momentum for CVCC is steady but cautious. The college remains a vital public resource in Central Virginia, bolstered by strong community partnerships and a high (100%) acceptance rate. However, recent negative feedback regarding administrative responsiveness suggests a growing pain in student services. The college has responded by launching “Solving for Success” initiatives specifically aimed at improving student guidance and academic readiness.