What Is It Known For?
Founded in 1969, Centura College is known for its focus on career-oriented education. The college specializes in offering practical, hands-on training in health sciences, skilled trades, business, and information technology, helping students build the expertise needed for professional success.
With multiple campuses across Virginia, including Chesapeake, Newport News, and Virginia Beach, Centura College serves a diverse and dynamic student body each year, ensuring accessible educational opportunities tailored to meet the needs of the workforce.
Degrees & Certifications
Centura College offers various career-focused training programs across two primary areas: Health Science Training and Skilled Trades Training. These programs are designed to provide students with the technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-specific skills needed to enter the workforce confidently.
The Health Science programs at Centura College prepare students for various healthcare careers, offering training in essential areas such as:
- Professional & Master Esthetician
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Assistant with Limited Scope Radiologic Technology
- Dental Assistant
For those pursuing technical careers, Centura College offers specialized training in the skilled trades. These programs include:
- Combination Welding
- Construction Electrician
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Wind Turbine Technician
- Solar Technician
Class Schedules
Centura College provides flexible scheduling options with day and evening classes, making it easier for students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities. For students needing additional flexibility, independent study is available to help them complete courses not offered during a specific semester.
To support student success, Centura College offers comprehensive guidance services throughout a student’s time at the school. These include academic, vocational, and personal advising tailored to individual needs.
The Career Services Department further enhances the student experience by providing job placement assistance to eligible students, graduates, and alumni, helping them transition seamlessly from education to employment.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Centura College is a legitimate institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). This recognition ensures its programs meet established academic and professional standards.
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Centura College follows an open admission policy, meaning all applicants who meet the basic requirements are accepted.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)?
Tuition at Centura College varies depending on the program and campus location but typically ranges from approximately $13,920 to $34,800. The college offers financial aid options to help eligible students manage costs.
Additionally, Centura provides a Net Price Calculator, allowing prospective students to estimate their total costs based on individual circumstances.
Programs & Courses
Beauty
- Esthetician
Business
- Business
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assisting
- Radiology
Skilled Trades
- HVAC
- Electrical
- Solar Technician
- Welding
- Wind Turbine Tech
Campus Locations
Chesapeake, VA 932 Ventures Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320
Norfolk, VA 7020 N Military Hwy., Norfolk, VA 23518
Virginia Beach, VA 2697 Dean Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Newport News, VA 616 Denbigh Blvd., Newport News, VA 23608
Richmond, VA 7914 Mid Lothian Tpk., Richmond, VA 23235
Columbia, SC 131 Berkshire Dr., Columbia, SC 29223
Financial Aid Services
Students meet one-on-one with Centura financial advisors to discuss tuition, financial assistance and payment plans. Qualified students can apply for scholarships and educational opportunity grants to help cover tuition costs and course materials.
Student Services
Attendees can take advantage of Centura’s academic support and tutorial services to improve and maintain grades. Other student services include the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights (ODCR). These offices work alongside students to ensure an inclusive environment on campus.
Career Services
Career advising is a focus for the college and includes resume writing, interview training and building relationships with companies. Advisors work with students to define career goals, strengths and potential obstacles to employment.
Veteran and Military Services
Active-duty, reservists and veterans are welcome to pursue further education at Centura. Some campuses have special military representatives to make the college experience easier to navigate for service members. Also, eligible students can apply for Military Tuition Assistance (TA) and the Veteran No Debt program.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews provided, Centura College has a mixed reputation. While recent feedback highlights a positive and welcoming experience with supportive staff and effective hands-on training, there are significant, long-standing criticisms regarding the college’s financial policies, lack of professionalism, and credit transfer issues.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive Staff and Instructors: Recent reviews consistently praise staff members, particularly in admissions and student services, for being helpful, positive, and organized. Instructors are also described as knowledgeable and caring, and some are noted for a good sense of humor in lectures.
Hands-On Learning: The college is valued for its hands-on approach to learning, with students appreciating the practical experience gained in labs and clinics, especially in the esthetician, medical assisting, and massage therapy programs.
Positive School Environment: Reviewers often describe the campus as having a great atmosphere, with a clean and well-organized facility. The small class sizes are highlighted as a benefit, fostering a close-knit community and allowing for one-on-one attention from professors.
Effective Services: The career services and student services departments receive positive mentions for being helpful and supportive in assisting students with their goals.
Common Criticisms
Financial and Credit Transfer Issues: A major, recurring complaint is that the college is a “money hungry” institution with non-transferable credits. Several reviews state that they were unable to use their degrees to further their education at other colleges, and some students felt they were misled about the value of their education.
Lack of Professionalism and Organization: Multiple reviews, including recent ones, describe the staff as unorganized and unprofessional. Students complain of a high staff turnover rate and a lack of communication, leading to issues with financial paperwork, graduation delays, and getting the “run around.”
Teacher Quality and Curriculum: Some students allege that teachers have “very little knowledge” on the subject matter and that the curriculum is a “waste of time and money,” forcing them to “teach yourself.”
Student Experiences: The reviews mention a number of negative experiences, including an allegation of favoritism, and one reviewer who claims the school dropped them from classes despite passing them, which they attribute to their use of the GI bill.
Momentum
The momentum for Centura College appears to be highly mixed. The most recent reviews (within the last few months) are overwhelmingly positive and highlight a smooth, welcoming enrollment process with supportive staff. However, these recent reviews are juxtaposed with detailed, highly negative reviews from the past year that raise serious concerns about the school’s administrative practices and financial transparency. The school’s quick and professional responses to both positive and negative feedback suggest an effort to manage its online reputation, but the underlying issues raised in the negative reviews do not seem to be fully resolved.