Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA

Total Enrollment

28,833

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

109

109 career programs

Full-Time Students

19,356

28,833 part-time

Total FTE

10,233

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

1269
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
3536
Total Recent Graduates

With 28,833 students, Tidewater Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 109 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 19,356 (40.2%)
40.2%
Part-Time Students 28,833 (59.8%)
59.8%
Total Students 48,189

Majority part-time students (59.8%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (67.1%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
58.3%
16,807 students
Men
41.7%
12,026 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
43.4%
12,514 students
White
43.4% (12,514)
Black/African American
28.1% (8,099)
Hispanic/Latino
11.5% (3,326)
Two or More Races
7.4% (2,127)
Asian
5.3% (1,525)
International Students
1.1% (310)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.4% (110)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.4% (109)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 28,833 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 43% of the student body (12,514 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

48,189 students

43% Men, 57% Women
19,356 Full-time
Diversity Index: 71% • Minority Students: 45%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

4,988
All full-time students
2,257 men, 2,731 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Undergraduate

4,988
Full-time undergraduate
2,257 men, 2,731 women
Diversity: 72%

FT Degree-Seeking

4,690
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
2,129 men, 2,561 women
Diversity: 72%

FT First-Time

1,543
Full-time first-time students
802 men, 741 women
Diversity: 73%

FT Continuing

3,147
Full-time continuing students
1,327 men, 1,820 women
Diversity: 71%

Part-Time Students

All Students

15,912
All students total
6,740 men, 9,172 women
Diversity: 71%

Transfer

932
Transfer-in students
333 men, 599 women
Diversity: 71%

Continuing

7,874
Continuing students
3,092 men, 4,782 women
Diversity: 71%

Non-Degree

4,115
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,861 men, 2,254 women
Diversity: 69%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

20,864
White
13,237
Black/African American
5,864
Hispanic/Latino
2,419
Asian
638
International
Diversity Index: 71% Minority Students: 45%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Tidewater Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 28,833 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (67.1%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 10,233 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

121 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials