Southwest Virginia Community College

Also known as Southwest Virginia

369 College Road US Rt. 19, 6 Miles S. Claypool Hill, Richlands, VA

Southwest Virginia Community College, located in Richlands, Virginia was founded in 1968 to serve residents of Russel, Tazewall, and Buchanan Counties, and partially serves Dickenson County. The school is one of 23 that comprise the Virginia Community College District.

SWVCC has an annual enrollment of over 4000 students, and is dedicated to providing them with the best education possible through a qualified faculty and support services. Southwest Virginia CC also regularly review programs and facilities, ensuring they are up to date and meet the needs of current and future students.

Academics

Southwest Virginia Community College offers a number of programs that allow students to choose a career training or academic transfer track that best fits their needs. Career training programs prepare students for careers in a chosen area of study. Enrolled students will be able to enter the work force as professionals upon completion of their program, having been through the necessary courses, which include study in theory, practice, application and methodology.

Practical experience is gained through controlled and supervised settings that allow for error and growth. A program takes between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree which assists graduates in seeking employment at the entry level.

Academic transfer is achieved through the completion of the first two years of a four year education at SVCC, followed by applying for transfer to a college or university and finishing the final two years of study and earning one's bachelor's degree.

Enrolled students applying to Virginia public institutions will have ease of transfer through agreements that guarantee admission if certain academic prerequisites are met. Transfer to out of state or private schools will require the student to requirements of the individual school to be considered for admission, and as a result should consult a counselor and research his or her desired schools prior to applying.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Individuals interested in enrollment at Southwest Virginia Community College may do so through the school's open enrollment policy, which only requires the applicant to be 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or GED. Those who meet the minimum requirements must submit a completed application and pay all fees prior to the start of classes in order to enroll.

Prospective SWVCC students are also asked to supply previous transcripts and standardized test scores if available, the information from which may be used to substitute the required placement exam. A visit to a counselor and participation in new student orientation are also encouraged.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to construct a aid plan that is based on the student's need and aid program eligibility. Aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,900. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

Annual tuition range:
- State Residents: $4,000-$4,800
- Out-of-State: $9,300-$11,180
Part-time students are charged:
- State Residents: $130-$160 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $310-$370 per credit unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	95%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	95%	$5,166

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To help students and alumni, Southwest Virginia Community College may provide services to students like:

Distance learning
Classes offered on nights and weekends
Remedial instructional courses
Career path counseling
Student employment
Assistance to find work

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Community colleges offer a variety of career and transfer options for students. The following table shows the graduation and transfer-out rates for Southwest Virginia Community College, versus those community colleges in Virginia, which can be valuable information for determining which school to attend.

	Southwest Virginia	Tazewell County	Virginia
Graduation Rate	31.6%	-	25.0%
Transfer-out Rate	4.6%	-	12.0%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

Campus: Southwest Virginia Community College

Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1976)
- Find all the other nursing programs in Virginia
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1997)
Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1976)

Campus: Southwest Virginia Community College at Virginia Highlands Community College

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 2008)

Programs Offered

The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.