Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at Virginia Highlands Community College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
61%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
38%
Part-time students continuing
How Virginia Highlands Community College Compares
Retention at Virginia Highlands Community College runs at 61%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 18:1 means there are approximately 18 students for every faculty member. This moderate ratio balances personalized attention with institutional capacity.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 53% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 38 instructors, Virginia Highlands Community College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs. The 100% tenure rate indicates a blend of experienced career faculty and newer educators.
Where Do Online Students at Virginia Highlands Community College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
92% of Virginia Highlands Community College's exclusively online students are located in VA. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:61.8% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) measures the total student enrollment at Virginia Highlands Community College by converting part-time students into a full-time equivalent count.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
With an FTE-to-headcount ratio of 0.62, Virginia Highlands Community College's enrollment intensity reveals how committed students are to full-time study.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Virginia Highlands Community College directly at 2767392400 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 supports personalized learning
- 38 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from VA (92% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Virginia Highlands Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.