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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia
When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent.
To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Trade College Search has created its Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. This report analyzed 23 schools in Virginia to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.
View our full ranking methodology.
Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in Virginia
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our 2023 rankings named Danville Community College the best school in Virginia for trade school students working on their associate degree. Danville, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 210 students in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $4,725 in tuition and fees if they attend Danville Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,728. On average, associate degree students take out $11,262 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Danville Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.
Out of the 23 schools in Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, Northern Virginia Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Northern Virginia Community College is a large public school situated in Annandale, Virginia. It awarded 5,692 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Virginia who attend Northern Virginia Community College full time pay an average of $5,565 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $11,648. Associate Degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College accumulate an average of $15,263 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Northern Virginia Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 63% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Radford University. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list. Radford, Virginia is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 68 students in 2021-2022.
Students from Virginia who attend Radford full time pay an average of $11,916 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $24,453. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,557 in student loans.
Radford does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 66% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Out of the 23 schools in Virginia that were part of this year’s ranking, South University, Virginia Beach landed the # 4 spot on the list. Virginia Beach, Virginia is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 23 students in 2021-2022.
If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $16,560 to cover tuition and fees at South University, Virginia Beach. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Associate Degree recipients from South University, Virginia Beach accumulate an average of $24,698 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at South University, Virginia Beach. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 46% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Thomas Nelson Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Hampton, Virginia, the medium-sized public school handed out 809 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
Students from Virginia who attend TNCC full time pay an average of $4,806 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,809. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,524 in student loans.
One thing to take note of is that TNCC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 74% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
ECPI University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the fairly large private for-profit school handed out 1,812 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
If you want to attend ECPI University, expect to pay an average of $18,484 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from ECPI University accumulate an average of $20,059 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
ECPI University does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
John Tyler Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. John Tyler Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Chester, Virginia that handed out 982 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at John Tyler Community College is $4,800. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,803. Associate Degree recipients from John Tyler Community College accumulate an average of $12,270 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Online courses are available at John Tyler Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 56% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Wytheville Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list. Wytheville, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 272 students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WCC is $4,725. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,728. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,399 in student loans.
WCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 61% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Tidewater Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. Norfolk, Virginia is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,216 students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Tidewater Community College is $5,561. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,564. Associate Degree recipients from Tidewater Community College accumulate an average of $13,855 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Tidewater Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Piedmont Virginia Community College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the medium-sized public school awarded 485 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Students from Virginia who attend PVCC full time pay an average of $4,790 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,793. Associate Degree recipients from PVCC accumulate an average of $12,863 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
PVCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 56% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Central Virginia Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the small public school awarded 405 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Central Virginia Community College is $4,853. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,856. Associate Degree recipients from Central Virginia Community College accumulate an average of $8,271 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Central Virginia Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Virginia Western Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list. Virginia Western Community College is located in Roanoke, Virginia and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 654 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $5,103 in tuition and fees if they attend Virginia Western Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,106. Associate Degree recipients from Virginia Western Community College accumulate an average of $15,129 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Virginia Western Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2020-2021 year, about 55% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Reynolds Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Richmond, Virginia, and it awarded 1,104 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from Virginia who attend Reynolds Community College full time pay an average of $4,998 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,001. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,943 in student loans.
Online courses are available at Reynolds Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 65% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
New River Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #15 on the list. Dublin, Virginia is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 494 students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NRCC is $4,697. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,699. Associate Degree recipients from NRCC accumulate an average of $12,123 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at NRCC. In 2020-2021 about 59% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Blue Ridge Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. BRCC is a small public school situated in Weyers Cave, Virginia. It awarded 441 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $5,364 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend BRCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,367. Associate Degree recipients from BRCC accumulate an average of $13,633 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at BRCC. In fact, around 62% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
With a ranking of #17, Liberty University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 1,156 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average tuition and fees at Liberty University is $16,203. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $25,145 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Liberty University. In fact, around 87% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Virginia Highlands Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. VHCC is located in Abingdon, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 286 associate degrees to qualified students.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at VHCC is $4,725. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,728.
Some students may be able to take online classes at VHCC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 60% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Mountain Empire Community College came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia ranking. MECC is a small public school situated in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. It awarded 286 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at MECC is $4,725. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,728.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since MECC does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.
Southwest Virginia Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in Virginia list. Located in Cedar Bluff, Virginia, the small public school awarded 322 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southwest Virginia is $4,733. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,736.
Southwest Virginia does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #21, Lord Fairfax Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. This medium-sized public school is located in Middletown, Virginia, and it awarded 790 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from Virginia pay an average of $4,739 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Lord Fairfax Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,742. On average, associate degree students take out $12,394 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Lord Fairfax Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 50% took at least some of their classes online.
Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach is a private not-for-profit institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The school has a small population, and it awarded 313 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $17,211 to cover tuition and fees at Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, associate degree students take out $22,863 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Online courses are available at Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Read full report on Bryant & Stratton College - Virginia Beach
With a ranking of #23, American National University did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. American National University is located in Salem, Virginia and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 64 associate degrees to qualified students.
Associate Degree recipients from American National University accumulate an average of $22,215 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out American National University. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.
Best Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
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Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 23 schools only.
References
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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