Colleges & Universities

Some colleges and universities specialize in education students from a specific group. These institutions can offer an education that meets the unique needs of these populations.

If you know of a special population that we haven't included on this list, please let us know so we can add it.

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs)

• Colleges with Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities

• LGBT-Friendly Campus Pride Index

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Association of Colleges and Universities (AAPIAC) Member List

• Men Only Colleges

• Women Only Colleges

• Lists of Religiously Affiliated Colleges and Universities

The State Council for Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) posts a list of all Virginia colleges and universities. Take a look at all of the places where you can get in-state tuition!

You can also view Virginia institutions displayed on a Google Map:

Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities Google Map

Virginia Community Colleges Google Map

SCHEV provides a Degree Inventory which allows you to see if the degree program you want is offered at a specific Virginia college or university or you can also search by degree program and see where in Virginia it's offered!

If the degree program that you want isn't available at a public Virginia college or university, you may be able to use the Academic Common Market to get in-state tuition rates at another public school within the Southern Regional Education Board that does offer the degree program.

If private college is your choice, you can find out more about Virginia private colleges at their website: http://vaprivatecolleges.org.

Why Should I Go To a Community College?

Virginia's Community College System offers students an affordable option for post-secondary education. Some students may be interested in pursuing a degree or training that they can receive completely through a community college. Some students may want to begin their studies at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution.

There are a lot of factors that go into the decision of where to attend school. Check out these articles to give you some food for thought about how a community college might be a good choice for you.

• College Board's Six Reasons to Attend a Community College

• Community College Myth vs. Fact

• Benefits of Attending Community College for Two Years to Save Money

• If the College Fits, Recommend It

Where Is the Closest Community College?

The community college for this region is John Tyler Community College. It is located in Chester on Route 1 near the intersection of Routes 1 and 10. There is also a Midlothian campus for JTCC. However, you aren't required to only go to JTCC. You may enroll in any community college. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is located nearby in Richmond. If you are looking to move outside of this area, you can view the Virginia Community College's College Locator website for another Virginia community college.

What Programs Are Offered at a Community College?

The Virginia Wizard website offers a College Planner where you can find out what programs are available in Virginia's community colleges. You might be surprised by how many programs are available.

Through the College Planner, you can find out which community college offers a specific program as well as what jobs are related to that degree program. It will even indicate which jobs are currently in demand!

How Do I Transfer to a Four-Year College or University?

If your plan is to transfer to a four-year institution after attending a Virginia community college, the Virginia Wizard can help you with that as well through their Transfer Planner. You can also use the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia's Transfer Tool to find out see how your community college credits will transfer to a Virginia four-year institution.

You can also find out about the Guaranteed Admission Agreements and Transfer Agreements that the Virginia Community College System has with some Virginia four-year institutions. You can even get a Virginia Transfer Grant for transferring from a Virginia community college to a Virginia four-year institution!

How Do I Apply?

You can apply for any Virginia Community College at: https://apply.vccs.edu/oa/launch.action.

Once you apply, you will have to take the Virginia Placement Test (VPT) before enrolling in order to be placed into the correct English language and math classes. This test is offered at HHS in the spring or you may take it at your local community college. If you would like to review for the VPT, you may go to: https://www.vawizard.org/wizard/test-preparation.