What Is It Known For?
Virginia Highlands Community College, located in Abingdon, VA, is known for its dedication to serving the residents of Washington County, Bristol Virginia, and the Western Part of Smyth County. As a public institution and part of the larger Virginia Community College System, it has been committed to this mission since it was founded in 1967.
The public school also boasts an impressive enrollment of over 3,000 students, with approximately 700 full-time and over 1,000 part-time students per semester.
Degrees
Virginia Highlands Community College offers over 100 associate degree programs in:
- IT
- Industrial Technology
- Healthcare
- Public Service
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Business
Class Schedules
Virginia Highlands Community College offers a flexible schedule to accommodate various student needs. Classes are available during morning, afternoon, and evening hours, as well as on weekends. The college also provides 100% online options for some programs and courses, allowing students to choose between in-person and remote learning.
Some of the programs here require externships and the school is dedicated to connecting students to the area’s top employers through their career services page.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Virginia Highlands Community College is a legitimate institution. The school is approved by the State Board for Community Colleges and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance Rate
Virginia Highlands Community College has an open admission policy. This means that the acceptance rate for new students is at 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average annual cost of attending Virginia Highlands CC IS $6,624. The department also notes that this cost includes tuition, fees, books, and much more.
Tuition will cost you around $1,945.32 per 12 credit hours. We recommend contacting the school directly for more information.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Administrative Support Technology
- Business Administration
- Business Management
Healthcare
- Emergency Medical Services
- Exercise Science
- Health Sciences
- Mammography
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Coding
- Nurse Aide
- Nursing
- Practical Nursing
- Pre-Pharmacy
- Radiography
- Tomography
- Welding
Public Service
- Administration of Justice
- American Sign Language
- Early Childhood Education
- Human Services
- Substance Abuse
Skilled Trades
- Diesel Technology l
- Electrical Technology
- Energy
- Engineering
- HVAC-R
- Industrial Electricity
- Machining
- Mechatronics
Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Database Security
- Drone Technology
- Information Technology
- Networking
- Web and Application Development
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) is highly regarded as a supportive, affordable, and clean institution that doubles as a vital community hub. The experience is primarily positive, though some students have noted issues with consistency in teaching and online class quality.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Staff and Community Support: The most common theme is the “Friendly and helpful staff,” including administration and instructors, who are described as “patient and understanding” and willing to help students one-on-one.
Affordable and Quality Education: Reviewers praise the college for delivering a “Quality education at a very cheap tuition,” making it an excellent and accessible option for furthering education.
Dedicated and Amazing Instructors: Many students had an “amazing” experience due to specific teachers, describing them as “truly great people” who “make all the difference.”
Excellent and Well-Maintained Facilities: The campus is frequently noted as a “beautiful facility” that is “nice, clean,” and kept in “top shape” by the Buildings and Grounds crew.
Common Criticisms
Inconsistent Teaching Quality: Despite the many compliments, there are sharp, contrasting criticisms from a few students who reported having the “WORST teachers that cannot teach/do their job” and advised others to avoid the school.
Poor Online Class Experience: One student reported a “worst experience ever” with online evening classes due to a lack of live lectures and a reliance on saved videos rather than real-time instruction.
Momentum
The momentum for VHCC is strongly positive and focused on high value and student support. The criticisms, while intense, are few compared to the overwhelming praise for the college’s staff, affordability, and physical environment, confirming its reputation as a great community college.