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Public, 2-year

Southside Virginia Community College

Alberta, Virginia · www.southside.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$11,445

In-state $5,007

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

3,306

Student-faculty ratio 24:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

34.7%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 39.5%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is a prominent institution dedicated to providing accessible education and training opportunities to students in the Southside region of Virginia. Established in 1970, SVCC serves a diverse student body and offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various fields such as healthcare, business, and technology. The college prides itself on its commitment to student success, offering numerous resources such as academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling to help students achieve their educational goals.

The college's campus culture fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration. With a focus on hands-on learning and personal development, SVCC encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. The college's motto, "Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities," reflects its mission to enhance the quality of life in the region by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the workforce. Additionally, SVCC boasts state-of-the-art facilities and technology to support innovative teaching and learning experiences. With a strong emphasis on workforce development and partnerships with local businesses, SVCC graduates are well-prepared to enter the job market, making significant contributions to their communities.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data from Southside Virginia Community College reveals several significant trends in tuition rates, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students has gradually increased from $3,975 in 2014 to $4,848 in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 22%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition rose from $9,813 to $10,851, a nearly 11% increase. This upward trajectory in tuition can be a concern for prospective students and their families, especially in an era where the cost of higher education continues to be a critical issue nationwide.

In contrast to the rising tuition costs, student enrollment figures indicate a decline. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 5,784 in 2014 to 2,961 in 2022, which equates to a reduction of approximately 49%. However, a slight rebound was observed in 2023 with enrollment increasing to 3,112. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including demographic changes, shifting perceptions of the value of a college degree, or the increasing availability of alternative education paths, such as online learning or vocational training.

Graduation rates have shown a more promising trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 17.99% in 2013 to 29.03% in 2023. This is a notable improvement, suggesting that the college may be successfully implementing strategies to support students in completing their degrees in a timely manner. Additionally, the 150% graduation rate also reflects a positive trend, rising from 26.50% to 41.94% over the same period.

Lastly, retention rates exhibited fluctuations but ended on a high note, with a retention rate of 65.82% in 2023, up from just 60.95% in 2013. This indicates that once students enroll, they are increasingly likely to continue their studies, which is essential for fostering a supportive educational environment.

Overall, while rising tuition poses a challenge, the college's efforts to enhance graduation rates and improve student retention are commendable and could help counterbalance declining enrollment figures in the long term.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, remote
Nearest major city
Richmond, about 50 mi
Nearest international airport
Richmond International Airport (RIC), about 60 mi
Alberta, Virginia
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Quentin Johnson (President)
Phone
8882207822
City
Alberta, Virginia
Address
109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA 23821

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate4513 international (0.7%)
Top 9 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
322
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
30
Industrial Technology/Technician
21
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other
18
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other
18
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other
16
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
14
Computer and Information Sciences, General
8
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
4

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Southside Virginia Community College

The graduation data from Southside Virginia Community College for 2023 presents a notable trend, particularly in the area of associate degrees. The most significant number of graduates emerged from the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, with a total of 311 students earning an associate degree. This highlights the ongoing popularity of liberal arts education, which often serves as a foundation for various careers or further academic pursuits.

In contrast, specialized fields such as Computer and Information Sciences, Industrial Technology, and Criminal Justice showed minimal graduation numbers, with no graduates at the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels. This may indicate a need for more robust programs or resources in these areas to attract and support students.

Interestingly, the health-related programs, such as Registered Nursing and Emergency Medical Technology, also produced a modest number of graduates, suggesting a stable interest in healthcare careers, which aligns with national trends where healthcare professions are in high demand. However, the absence of international students in these programs raises questions about the institution's appeal to a diverse student body.

Overall, while the data reflects strengths in liberal arts and healthcare, it also underscores potential gaps in other fields that require attention. Addressing these disparities could enhance the college's offerings and better prepare graduates for the evolving job market.

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

Liberal arts has 322 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$33,059-$38,546
Health professionshas 50 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$77,124
Businesshas 36 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.-
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services, Other.-
Engineering technologieshas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Technology/Technician.-
Homeland security has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Computer and information sciencehas 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-

Students

3,306 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 70.5%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (3,306)

White
1,618 · 48.9%
Black
1,162 · 35.1%
Hispanic
197 · 6.0%
Two or more races
157 · 4.7%
Unknown
73 · 2.2%
International
53 · 1.6%
Asian
29 · 0.9%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
45.1%
18–19
13.0%
20–21
8.3%
22–24
7.1%
25 and over
26.4%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Southside Virginia Community College in 2023

In 2023, Southside Virginia Community College demonstrates a diverse range of student demographics across various classifications. The data reveals a notable enrollment of undergraduate freshmen, with a total of 423 students. Among these, females represent a significant majority at 62.6%, indicating a positive trend towards gender balance in higher education. Conversely, undergraduate juniors show a stark gender disparity, with only 25.5% identifying as male, which could suggest a retention issue for male students or a growing preference among females for higher education pathways.

The statistics for undergraduate transfer students present a more balanced scenario, where males constitute 41.3% of the population. This suggests that transfer students may experience different dynamics compared to their peers. Additionally, the overall number of non-degree seeking students stands at 1,417, indicating a robust interest in non-traditional educational pathways, which often cater to adult learners or those seeking specific skills.

Despite the absence of detailed subgroup data for juniors and transfer students, the representation of various ethnic backgrounds among the total student body is important. With a substantial number of white students, it is crucial for the institution to foster an inclusive environment that embraces diversity.

The trends observed at Southside Virginia Community College align with broader national patterns in higher education, where female enrollment continues to surpass that of males, raising questions about engagement strategies and support systems for male students. As educational institutions strive for inclusivity, understanding the demographic intricacies will be key to enhancing student success across all groups.

Analysis of Age Demographics at Southside Virginia Community College

The age distribution of students at Southside Virginia Community College reveals a significant trend towards younger students, particularly those under 18, who make up the largest portion of the student body. With 547 male undergraduates and 836 female undergraduates in this age group, it accounts for approximately 39.4% of the total student population. This is indicative of a strong influx of new students likely transitioning directly from high school.

As we move to the 18-19 age bracket, we observe a slight decline in numbers, with 162 male and 325 female undergraduates, making up about 23.3% of the student body. The trend continues with each subsequent age group, reflecting a gradual decrease in enrollment as age increases. For example, the 20-21 age group has only 73 males and 174 females, representing 9.5% of the total.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students enrolled, which could suggest that the community college primarily serves as a stepping stone for younger individuals pursuing their undergraduate degrees before potentially transferring to four-year institutions.

Moreover, the absence of older students in the graduate category may indicate a lack of outreach or support for adult learners, which is an important demographic in higher education. Community colleges have the potential to provide valuable educational opportunities for those returning to academia later in life, and this could be an area for growth for Southside Virginia Community College.

Overall, the data underscores the college's role in catering to a younger demographic, while highlighting opportunities to attract a more diverse age range among its students.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.6%

53 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.3%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.3%2020: 0.3%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.4%2023: 1.2%2024: 1.3%2025: 1.6%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Southside Virginia Community College

The data regarding international student enrollment at Southside Virginia Community College reveals significant fluctuations over the years. Initially, in 2004, the institution had only three international undergraduate students, constituting a mere 0.06% of the total undergraduate population. However, as time progressed, there was a noticeable increase in the number of international students, peaking in 2023 with 37 students, which remarkably represents 1.19% of the total undergraduate enrollment. This sharp rise suggests a growing interest and acceptance of international students at the college, likely influenced by the broader trends in higher education that emphasize global diversity and inclusivity.

The years prior to 2020 demonstrate a relatively stable yet low presence of international students, with percentages rarely surpassing 0.34%. The data indicates that 2020 might have been a pivotal year, as the percentage of international students started to gain momentum, culminating in the significant increase seen in 2023. This trend could be reflective of broader changes in immigration policies, global awareness, and the college’s efforts to promote its programs to a more diverse audience.

However, the absence of graduate student data throughout this period leaves a gap in understanding the overall international student dynamics at the institution. As community colleges increasingly play a vital role in higher education, it will be crucial for Southside Virginia Community College to continue fostering an environment that attracts and supports international students, which can enrich the academic experience for all students and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$18,726

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$11,445
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,007
Room and board
$7,281
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 12% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 19%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$31.7M

Government grants and contracts
$26.6M83.9%
Tuition and fees
$2.7M8.5%
Gifts and private grants
$245K0.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$113K0.4%
Investment return
$13K0.0%
Other
$2.0M6.4%

Expenses$29.8M

Instruction
$14.0M47.0%
Institutional support
$5.0M16.7%
Scholarships
$3.6M12.2%
Academic support
$3.5M11.8%
Student services
$2.8M9.5%
Public service
$481K1.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$33K0.1%
Other
$356K1.2%

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.

All faculty
$71,807peers $68,588
Professor
$81,493peers $79,972
Associate professor
$80,582peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$69,784peers $62,785
Instructor
$60,949peers $61,593
Lecturer
$59,822peers $51,591

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Southside Virginia Community College:

  1. University of Richmond - Ranked 25th in the 2024 US News rankings, this liberal arts college is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  2. Virginia Commonwealth University - With a ranking of 142, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.

  3. William & Mary - This prestigious university ranks 53rd and is renowned for its rich history and rigorous academic standards.

  4. Duke University - A top-tier institution ranked 7th, Duke is famous for its exceptional academics and research opportunities, particularly in the fields of law, business, and medicine.

  5. University of Virginia-Main Campus - With a strong reputation and a ranking of 24, UVA is known for its commitment to liberal education and public service.

  6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Ranked 22nd, this university is celebrated for its research excellence and vibrant campus community.

  7. Washington and Lee University - This liberal arts college ranks 21st and is known for its unique honor system and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

These institutions provide a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
1
Burglary
1
Motor vehicle theft
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Southside Virginia Community College

The crime data from Southside Virginia Community College over the years reveals an overall commendable safety record. From 2013 to 2018, the institution reported zero incidents of crime, indicating a stable and secure environment for students. However, starting in 2019, the data indicates a slight increase in reported offenses, with one recorded incident each in 2019, 2021, and 2023, resulting in an average crime rate of 0.29 and 0.32 per 1,000 students in those years.

The reported crime types include gun arrests, which highlight a significant concern given the increasing national conversation surrounding gun violence in educational settings. Nonetheless, the overall numbers remain low, suggesting that such incidents are isolated rather than indicative of a broader trend. The absence of serious crimes, such as assault, robbery, or drug-related offenses within the data, further underscores the college's commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment.

It's noteworthy that the slight uptick in crime rates coincides with a national rise in crime during the pandemic years, which may have affected various communities differently. Institutions of higher learning must continually adapt their safety measures to ensure the protection of their students, especially as societal dynamics evolve.

Overall, while the low numbers provide a sense of security, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are essential to preserve safety on campus. For a more detailed understanding of crime rates, you can refer to this resource: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

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.