Tidewater Community College vs Virginia Peninsula Community College

Tidewater Community College and Virginia Peninsula Community College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Virginia, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking a solid foundation for their academic and professional pursuits. While sharing a commitment to academic excellence, these colleges exhibit distinct characteristics that cater to different student needs and aspirations. Tidewater Community College boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Virginia Peninsula Community College maintains a more selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, Tidewater Community College hosts a larger and more diverse student body, reflecting the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region. As you explore the comprehensive comparison table provided, you'll discover further insights into the unique strengths and offerings of each college, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Virginia Peninsula Community College	Tidewater Community College
Overview
Location	Hampton, Virginia	Norfolk, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	62.0%	57.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $21,366 Out of state: $27,369	In state: $24,039 Out of state: $30,042
Average net price	$6,109	$7,292
Tuition	In state: $4,680 Out of state: $9,978	In state: $4,680 Out of state: $9,978
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	56.0% Average amount $6,319	55.0% Average amount $5,785
Students receiving federal student loan	10.0% Average amount $4,542	16.0% Average amount $4,559
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $8,032	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	5,832 Men 39.3% Women 60.7%	16,797 Men 38.9% Women 61.1%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	0.9%	1.6%
International students	0.2%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Virginia Maryland New York California New Jersey	Virginia North Carolina Georgia New York California

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Health Professions Liberal Arts Business Multidisciplinary Studies	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Social Sciences Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	28.3%	26.5%
Dropout rate	47.8%	47.3%
Transferred out	13.9%	14.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $62,621 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $56,528 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,682 Year 2: $30,047 Year 3: $32,913 Biological and Physical Sciences (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $21,942 Year 2: $17,067 Year 3: $29,370 Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $21,034 Year 2: $22,796 Year 3: $25,644 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $24,820 Social Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $24,590 Year 2: $22,308 Year 3: $23,537 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: N/A Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: N/A Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $59,846 Year 3: N/A Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $24,035 Year 3: N/A	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $55,688 Year 2: $51,960 Year 3: $56,086 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $49,656 Year 2: $50,439 Year 3: $51,424 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $41,121 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $49,373 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $44,245 Year 2: $46,282 Year 3: $48,794 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $42,438 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $45,648 Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $59,969 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $43,717 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,813 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $38,066 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $33,902 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $30,357 Year 2: $30,687 Year 3: $33,793 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $30,901 Year 2: $26,739 Year 3: $33,679

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Tidewater Community College (TCC) and Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC)?

Tidewater Community College (TCC) and Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) are both excellent options for higher education in Virginia, but they serve different geographic areas. TCC primarily serves the Hampton Roads region, including cities like Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. VPCC, formerly Thomas Nelson Community College, serves the Virginia Peninsula, including Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and York County. While both offer similar programs, the specific campus locations and some program specializations may differ. Consider which location is more convenient for you.
Do TCC and VPCC offer the same degree programs?

Both TCC and VPCC offer a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs, including popular fields like business, healthcare, information technology, and liberal arts. You'll find similar core programs at both institutions. However, some specialized programs might be unique to one college or the other. It's best to check the specific program offerings on each college's website to see which aligns best with your academic goals.
How do the tuition costs compare between TCC and VPCC?

As part of the Virginia Community College System, TCC and VPCC generally have very similar tuition rates for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. For the most up-to-date tuition information, it's always recommended to visit the official websites of TCC and VPCC, as rates can change annually. Also, explore financial aid options at both colleges, as eligibility can vary.
What are the campus environments like at TCC and VPCC?

TCC has multiple campuses spread throughout the Hampton Roads area, each with its own unique feel. This provides flexibility in choosing a location that suits your needs. VPCC has two main campuses, one in Hampton and one in Williamsburg, offering a more centralized campus experience. Consider visiting both TCC and VPCC campuses to get a sense of the environment and see which feels like the best fit for you.
How do the transfer options compare between TCC and VPCC?

Both TCC and VPCC are designed to facilitate easy transfer to four-year universities in Virginia and beyond. They have articulation agreements with many institutions, ensuring that your credits will transfer smoothly. The Virginia Community College System also has a guaranteed admission agreement with many Virginia universities. Check with the advising departments at both TCC and VPCC to understand the specific transfer pathways available for your desired four-year institution.
What student support services are available at TCC and VPCC?

Both TCC and VPCC offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and library resources. You can expect to find similar levels of support at both institutions. Check each college's website for specific details on the services offered and how to access them.
How do I decide which college, TCC or VPCC, is right for me?

The best way to decide between TCC and VPCC is to consider your individual needs and preferences. Think about factors like location, program availability, campus environment, and transfer goals. Visit both campuses, talk to current students and faculty, and compare the specific programs you're interested in. Ultimately, the right choice depends on which college feels like the best fit for your academic and personal aspirations.
Do TCC and VPCC offer online courses?

Yes, both TCC and VPCC offer a wide variety of online courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely. The availability of specific courses online may vary between the two colleges, so it's best to check their respective course catalogs. Both institutions use learning management systems to deliver online content and facilitate interaction between students and instructors.
What are the application processes like for TCC and VPCC?

The application processes for TCC and VPCC are generally straightforward and similar. You'll typically need to complete an online application, provide transcripts from your high school or previous college, and potentially take a placement test. Check the admissions pages on each college's website for specific requirements and deadlines.
Are there any unique programs or specializations offered at either TCC or VPCC that the other doesn't have?

While both colleges offer a broad range of programs, there might be some unique specializations or niche programs that are only available at one institution. For example, one college might have a stronger focus on maritime-related programs due to its location, while the other might excel in a specific technology field. It's crucial to explore the program catalogs of both TCC and VPCC to identify any unique offerings that align with your specific interests.

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