Welcome

Top 10 Reasons to Give to

Virginia Western Community College

1. Virginia Western is an integral part of the community.

The College directly touches the lives of more people and families in our community than any other institution in our service region.  52% of our area residents attended Virginia Western in 2004-2005 compared to 7% who attended Virginia Tech, 4% who attended Roanoke College, and 3% who attended Hollins University.

2. Virginia Western builds the local workforce.

The College enhances the productivity of the Roanoke Valley’s workforce.  The benefits of workforce training at the College to the Roanoke Valley’s economy are almost two and a half times as great as the cost required to generate those benefits.*  It is also important to note 85% of Virginia Western’s students stay in the region after they finish their studies!

3. Virginia Western provides an efficient, low-cost alternative for delivering quality educational programs. 

The average cost for a full time student for one semester at VWCC is $1,158.60 compared to $3,486.50 for one semester at Virginia Tech.

4. Virginia Western expands the circle of economic and personal opportunity.

The College is the largest provider of higher education services to “non-traditional” students seeking to upgrade their skills to stay current in a rapidly changing economy.  The average age of a Virginia Western student is 29.  Excluding dual-enrollment students, over 80% of all students are employed while enrolled in classes and one out of three Virginia Western students is a parent.

5. Virginia Western is the largest provider of higher education services to economically at risk communities in the Roanoke Valley.  

About one-third of Virginia Western curricular students (i.e., enrolled in a degree or certificate program) receive state or federal financial aid.  The Virginia Western Educational Foundation gives out over $80,000 a year in scholarships, emergency book funds and emergency student loans. 

6. Virginia Western provides an effective and affordable route to the baccalaureate degree through transfer programs.

The College has articulation agreements with 16 four-year institutions.  This means our students have immediate acceptance to these institutions after they complete their associate’s degree.

7. Virginia Western’s faculty has a talent for teaching and emphasizing learning.

Virginia Western students have the highest GPA of all the other VCCS college students upon graduation from a four-year college or university.  Additionally, our Health Technology program graduates have an average licensure pass rate above 95%.

8. Virginia Western has more high school dual enrollment students than any other college in the VCCS.

Completing advanced classes at Virginia Western significantly reduces the high costs of attending a four-year college or university for four-year college bound students.  The largest program at Virginia Western is dual-enrollment.

9. Virginia Western is a stable educational force in the local community.

The College is dedicated to expanding access to post secondary education and to ensuring outreach for under-served populations.  We are here to stay.  A gift to the College ensures future generations success and strengthens the Roanoke region.

10. Virginia Western is a good investment.

One dollar ($1.00) invested in Virginia Western Community College returns $2.40 to the community….and gifts made to the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation are tax-deductible.