Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Virginia Highlands Community College

Abingdon, VA

Total Enrollment

3,720

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

27

27 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,654

3,720 part-time

Total FTE

1,311

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
3,720
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 27
High diversity
~138 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Virginia Highlands Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 3,720 students across 27 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Virginia Highlands Community College serves 3,720 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 27 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,654 (41.6%)
41.6%
Part-Time Students 3,720 (58.4%)
58.4%
Total Students 6,374

Majority part-time students (58.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (71.3%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
63.6%
2,365 students
Men
36.4%
1,355 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
88.4%
3,289 students
White
88.4% (3,289)
Hispanic/Latino
3.8% (141)
Two or More Races
2.6% (97)
Black/African American
2.6% (95)
Asian
0.7% (27)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (8)
International Students
0.2% (8)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (6)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 3,720 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 88% of the student body (3,289 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% of students.

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

6,374 students

40% Men, 60% Women
2,654 Full-time
Diversity Index: 22% • Minority Students: 8%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

718
All full-time students
309 men, 409 women
Diversity: 22%

FT Undergraduate

718
Full-time undergraduate
309 men, 409 women
Diversity: 22%

FT Degree-Seeking

609
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
273 men, 336 women
Diversity: 23%

FT First-Time

257
Full-time first-time students
131 men, 126 women
Diversity: 22%

FT Continuing

352
Full-time continuing students
142 men, 210 women
Diversity: 23%

Part-Time Students

All Students

2,052
All students total
766 men, 1,286 women
Diversity: 22%

Transfer

94
Transfer-in students
36 men, 58 women
Diversity: 35%

Continuing

857
Continuing students
264 men, 593 women
Diversity: 18%

Non-Degree

717
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
289 men, 428 women
Diversity: 23%

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

5,623
White
173
Black/African American
229
Hispanic/Latino
53
Asian
12
International
Diversity Index: 22% Minority Students: 8%

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 Virginia Highlands Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 3,720 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (71.3%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 1,311 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 49% taking some online courses.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
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

100 VHCC Drive

Abingdon, VA 24212-0828

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