Student Enrollment

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

Roanoke, VA

Total Enrollment

11,234

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

32

32 career programs

Full-Time Students

6,192

11,234 part-time

Total FTE

3,326

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
11,234
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 32
High diversity
~351 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Virginia Western Community College operates as a large trade college with 11,234 students across 32 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 11,234 students, Virginia Western Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 32 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 6,192 (35.5%)
35.5%
Part-Time Students 11,234 (64.5%)
64.5%
Total Students 17,426

Majority part-time students (64.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (55.1%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
56.6%
6,362 students
Men
43.4%
4,872 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
68.7%
7,723 students
White
68.7% (7,723)
Black/African American
10.7% (1,202)
Hispanic/Latino
6.9% (779)
Two or More Races
5.4% (602)
Asian
4.0% (447)
International Students
1.2% (131)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (20)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (12)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 11,234 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 69% of the student body (7,723 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

17,426 students

45% Men, 55% Women
6,192 Full-time
Diversity Index: 50% • Minority Students: 22%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,606
All full-time students
756 men, 850 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Undergraduate

1,606
Full-time undergraduate
756 men, 850 women
Diversity: 49%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,490
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
704 men, 786 women
Diversity: 50%

FT First-Time

620
Full-time first-time students
321 men, 299 women
Diversity: 52%

FT Continuing

870
Full-time continuing students
383 men, 487 women
Diversity: 48%

Part-Time Students

All Students

6,170
All students total
2,708 men, 3,462 women
Diversity: 51%

Transfer

256
Transfer-in students
89 men, 167 women
Diversity: 54%

Continuing

2,415
Continuing students
925 men, 1,490 women
Diversity: 51%

Non-Degree

2,393
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,150 men, 1,243 women
Diversity: 48%

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

12,035
White
1,800
Black/African American
1,243
Hispanic/Latino
669
Asian
183
International
Diversity Index: 50% Minority Students: 22%

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 Western Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 11,234 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (55.1%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 3,326 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
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

3094 Colonial Ave

Roanoke, VA 24015

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