Eastern Shore Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$11,520
In-state $5,082
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
859
Student-faculty ratio 24:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
36.2%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 37.7%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is a prominent institution located in Melfa, Virginia, serving the residents of Virginia's Eastern Shore. Established in 1971, ESCC is dedicated to providing accessible and affordable education, making it an essential part of the local community. The college offers a diverse array of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development courses, catering to both traditional students and adult learners seeking to enhance their skills or change careers. With a strong emphasis on practical learning and community engagement, ESCC prepares its graduates for successful careers in fields such as healthcare, business, and technology.
The college prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, which is reflected in its small class sizes and dedicated faculty. This close-knit community atmosphere allows for personalized attention and mentorship, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed. ESCC also features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and technology resources that enhance the learning experience. Additionally, the college promotes a vibrant campus culture through various student organizations and activities, encouraging involvement and fostering a sense of belonging among students. With a commitment to excellence and community service, Eastern Shore Community College continues to play a vital role in the educational landscape of Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Eastern Shore Community College
The data from Eastern Shore Community College reveals some significant trends over the years, particularly concerning tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.
First, tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $3,945 in 2014 to $4,938 in 2024, reflecting a broader trend in rising education costs which can burden students and families. For out-of-state students, the tuition has risen from $9,795 to $10,941 in the same period, which may deter potential applicants from outside the state, particularly as many families face financial constraints.
Student enrollment has shown a declining trend, decreasing from 990 students in 2013 to 658 students in 2023. This decrease could be indicative of several factors including demographic shifts, economic conditions, or increased competition from other institutions, which could impact the college's funding and resources in the long run.
Graduation rates reflect a concerning trend as well. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students fluctuated but showed a notable increase to 26.32% in 2023, which is a positive sign following several years of lower rates. However, the overall graduation rates still remain relatively low, suggesting that while some improvements are being made, there is still significant room for growth in supporting student success.
Retention rates also present a mixed picture. Although there was a peak retention rate of 68.97% in 2017, the figure dropped to 44.64% in 2023. This decline indicates a potential struggle in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction, which is critical for both student success and institutional stability.
Overall, while Eastern Shore Community College demonstrates some improvement in graduation rates, the rising tuition and declining enrollment and retention rates highlight challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the college can continue to serve its students effectively. This situation calls for strategic initiatives to enhance student support systems, attract new students, and create a sustainable financial model.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, remote
- Nearest major city
- Virginia Beach, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF), about 60 mi
- Also known as
- ESCC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Daryl Minus (President)
- Phone
- 7577891789
- Address
- 29316 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, VA 23410
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Eastern Shore Community College
The graduation data from Eastern Shore Community College for 2023 reveals some intriguing trends in the educational landscape. Notably, all degree categories, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs, reported zero graduates. This absence of graduates at higher education levels may reflect a broader trend in community colleges where students often pursue associate degrees as a more accessible pathway to employment or further education.
The associate degree statistics present a more encouraging picture. The program in Liberal Arts and Sciences stands out with 34 graduates, signifying a strong interest in this versatile field, which often serves as a foundation for various career paths or transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. Additionally, the Industrial Technology/Technician program and Child Care Provider/Assistant program contributed with 8 and 3 graduates respectively, indicating a modest but vital workforce development in technical and human services sectors.
Interestingly, there was only one international student who graduated with an associate degree in Liberal Arts, highlighting the limited participation of international students in this institution. This could signal potential growth opportunities for the college to enhance its international recruitment strategies, particularly in popular fields that align with global job markets.
In summary, while the data reflects a lack of graduates in higher degree classifications, the strong performance in associate degree programs, particularly in Liberal Arts, emphasizes the role of community colleges in providing foundational education and skills necessary for the workforce. As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow, community colleges like Eastern Shore may play an increasingly vital role in training the next generation of professionals.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $33,165 | |
| General Studies. | $33,165 | |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies. | $33,165 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Electronics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - |
Students
859 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 67.4%
- Continuing undergraduates 320
- First-year undergraduates 63
- Transfers and others 476
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (859)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at Eastern Shore Community College 2023
The student population at Eastern Shore Community College in 2023 showcases a diverse and dynamic enrollment landscape. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 135 students, with a nearly balanced gender distribution—47.4% male and 52.6% female. This slight female majority reflects a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment has consistently outpaced male enrollment in recent years.
In the undergraduate junior category, the total enrollment is higher at 259 students, but the gender disparity is more pronounced, with only 30.1% male students compared to 69.9% female students. This striking difference suggests a shift in academic engagement between genders as students progress in their studies, possibly influenced by various social and educational factors.
The undergraduate transfer students represent a smaller group, with just 15 enrolled. Their gender distribution also shows a majority of females at 66.7%. This trend is consistent with national data that indicates transfer students often come from institutions where women are more represented.
Additionally, the total number of non-degree seeking students is significant at 249, with a more balanced gender ratio of 51.4% male and 48.6% female. This suggests that community colleges like Eastern Shore play an essential role in lifelong learning and skill enhancement for both genders.
Overall, the data indicates a growing female presence in higher education at Eastern Shore Community College, reflecting broader societal changes. It also highlights the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that accommodates a variety of student backgrounds and demographics.
Demographic Insights of Eastern Shore Community College Students
The age distribution data from Eastern Shore Community College reveals a significant trend towards younger students, particularly those under 18 years old, who comprise 52.8% of the total male student population and 54.5% of the total female student population. This suggests that the college is attracting a considerable number of traditional college-age students, which is a common trend in community colleges across the United States.
As we analyze the age categories, it's evident that participation declines as age increases. For instance, only 8.2% of male students and 18.5% of female students fall within the 25-29 age range, indicating that older adults may be less inclined to enroll in traditional college programs. This might reflect broader societal patterns where younger individuals seek higher education immediately after high school, while older adults may pursue alternative education paths or vocational training.
Interestingly, there are no graduate students reported in this data, which could point to a potential gap in the college's offerings or a lack of interest in graduate-level education among the current student body. This absence could also indicate that students might prefer to transition to four-year institutions for advanced degrees.
Furthermore, the data highlights an essential aspect of gender distribution within the student population. While there are slightly more females than males in the under-18 and 18-19 age categories, the trend appears to stabilize in older age groups, suggesting that female students remain consistently engaged in their educational pursuits.
Overall, these insights reflect the evolving landscape of community colleges, where younger demographics dominate enrollment, and highlight the need for institutions to adapt their programs to cater to a diverse age range of students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
18 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Eastern Shore Community College
Eastern Shore Community College has witnessed a notable fluctuation in its international student enrollment over the years. From 2008 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students who are international has seen a gradual increase, especially in the most recent years. While the percentage of international students among undergraduates remained relatively low in the earlier years, reaching only 0.11% in 2008 and 2009, there was a significant uptick in 2023, where international students constituted 3.04% of the total undergraduate population.
This increase suggests that the college may have implemented strategies to attract more international students, possibly in response to the growing globalization of higher education. The dramatic rise from 5 international students in 2019 to 20 in 2023 indicates a shift that could be reflective of broader trends in the U.S. educational landscape, where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse student bodies.
However, it is essential to note that there is no available data on graduate student enrollment for international students during this time. This lack of data prevents a comprehensive analysis of the overall international student demographic at Eastern Shore Community College. As institutions adapt to changing global circumstances, the trends observed in undergraduate enrollment could signal potential for growth in graduate programs as well.
In conclusion, Eastern Shore Community College's increasing percentage of international students in its undergraduate program is a positive indicator of its efforts to enhance diversity and attract global talent. It will be interesting to see how this trend continues to develop in the coming years, especially as more data on graduate student enrollment becomes available.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$17,427
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $11,520
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,082
- Room and board
- $5,907
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 13% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 5%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$10.6M
Expenses$11.2M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
College of William and MaryWilliamsburg · 58.4 mi
U.S. News #52
-
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond · 93.4 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond · 97.9 mi
Liberal Arts #21
-
United States Naval AcademyAnnapolis · 100.8 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
St. John's College (MD)Annapolis · 101.0 mi
Liberal Arts #81
-
Washington CollegeChestertown · 110.4 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
Gallaudet UniversityWashington · 110.5 mi
U.S. News #179
-
George Washington UniversityWashington · 111.9 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Catholic University of AmericaWashington · 112.1 mi
U.S. News #148
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Eastern Shore Community College:
-
St. Mary's College of Maryland - Ranked 82nd in the 2024 US News rankings, this liberal arts college is known for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful waterfront campus.
-
William & Mary - This prestigious university is ranked 53rd and offers a blend of liberal arts and research opportunities, providing a rich educational experience.
-
University of Richmond - With a rank of 25, this liberal arts university is recognized for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and vibrant campus life.
-
United States Naval Academy - Ranked 3rd, this federal service academy prepares future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps through a rigorous academic and military training program.
-
Georgetown University - As the 22nd ranked university, Georgetown is renowned for its diverse academic offerings and strong emphasis on public service and global engagement.
These institutions provide a range of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in various academic fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Crime Trends at Eastern Shore Community College
The crime statistics at Eastern Shore Community College reveal a noteworthy trend over the years. From 2013 to 2022, the campus reported zero incidents of crime, indicating a relatively safe environment for students. The only recorded crimes occurred in 2017 and 2018, with rates of 1.42 and 1.86 per 1,000 students, respectively. These figures suggest that while there were isolated incidents, the overall safety record remained strong.
The types of crimes reported were primarily gun-related arrests, with no records of more serious offenses such as drug arrests, alcohol-related incidents, or violent crimes during the years under review. This low level of crime is encouraging, particularly as concerns about campus safety continue to be a focal point for students and families alike.
Moreover, the absence of reported incidents in recent years could reflect effective campus safety measures and community engagement, fostering an environment where students feel secure. It is essential for institutions to maintain transparency regarding safety records, as this builds trust within the student community.
As we move forward, it is crucial for the college to continue its efforts in promoting safety and addressing any potential issues proactively. Overall, the data indicates that Eastern Shore Community College has managed to create a largely safe atmosphere for its students, a point that should be highlighted to prospective attendees and their families.
For more information on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.