Get Started at VWCC
Choosing your college is a big step. There’s a lot to consider. For example, will you fit in? Will you connect with your professors? Will you be able to continue your education? Will you be prepared for a great job? Will you be able to afford it?
Virginia Western Community College is a wonderful place to get your degree, earn credits that transfer to a four-year university, enhance your career, or just learn something new.
As a student at Virginia Western, you’re given the individual attention you need to achieve your goals.
1. Select a Pathway
How can we move you forward today?
- I want to earn college credits towards an associate degree, certificate, or career studies certificate.
If this is you, continue down the page to Step 2. Submit an Application - I want to fast forward my career opportunities with new skills in less than 14 weeks.
- I am a professional seeking additional credentials or continuing education.
- I am currently enrolled in high school or am home-schooled and want to take college classes.
- I want help turning my life experience, previous academic work, or military experience into college credit.
Not sure? Fill out our information request form, and an advisor will contact you to discuss your options!
2. Submit an application
- Complete our free, online application.
- Identity Verification: In order to provide a safe and secure learning environment, admission to our colleges require that all new credit applicants verify their identity. Applicants will need access to a computer or mobile device that has a camera in order to provide a real-time photo of themself (Liveness Check) and upload a photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, ID Card, etc.).
- If you are a current high school student (age 14-18) seeking Dual Enrollment, please visit our Dual Enrollment website for complete instructions.
- If you have a disability, contact the Office of Disability Services to request accommodation.
If you are applying to earn a full degree at Western, you will be asked to choose a program of study. You can explore our many offerings here. If you are undecided, no problem! Select a program that looks most interesting to you for now, and your New Student Advisor will help you determine the best program for you (changing your program is easy).
APPLY NOWNeed help? Watch this video!
3. Set up MyVWCC and Navigate Student
With just one login, myVWCC gives you access to your online coursework, student account, and more.
Log in to MyVWCC. If you need help, contact the Help Desk. After you activate your account, it can take up to 24 hours for Navigate Student to become available.
Once it is available, set up Navigate Student, a free online tool and mobile app that acts as your personal guide to VWCC. You can use Navigate Student to connect to your faculty advisor, stay up to date on your next steps, plan your schedule each semester, and visualize your academic progress.
4. Sign up for Discover Orientation
Orientation sessions are usually held in the weeks leading up to the fall semester. Orientation is a great way to get familiar with campus, learn about resources that can help you succeed, and meet future classmates.
If you plan to begin school in the spring or summer semesters, you can complete our Online Orientation. For more information on Discover and to complete our Online Orientation, visit the Discover Orientation website.
5. Let us help determine your placement
Your English and math skills will be assessed so you can be placed in the right classes! An Enrollment Specialist will touch base with you soon after you submit your application to help in the process of determining your placement.
6. Plan your schedule and register
We will support you in this process! You will be meeting with a New Student Advisor to talk about your path to academic success. Meeting options include face-to-face or Zoom appointments. An Enrollment Specialist will touch base with you soon after you submit your application to get your preferred meeting format and to schedule an appointment.
7. Plan for how to pay your tuition
A college education is an important investment in your future. VWCC offers several payment options:
- A tuition payment plan
- Financial aid
- Work-study positions
- Scholarships
- Military and veterans benefits
- Employer or third-party payment
If you are applying for financial aid and scholarships, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa using VWCC’s FAFSA code: 003760. You can apply as early as October for the next academic year and applying early can help you qualify for the maximum amount of aid.
Keep in mind that your tuition must be paid by the listed deadlines or you will be dropped from your classes.
8. Buy or rent textbooks
Students who have their textbooks on the first day of class are more likely to get better grades and complete their courses. So be prepared! Take a copy of your class schedule to the Bookstore, or order online at www.bkstr.com/virginiawesternccstore.
Using financial aid? You’ll need a photo ID and student ID number for your financial aid purchase. See when you can charge books and supplies to financial aid.
Concerned about costs? Options like used books, rented books, digital textbooks and open educational resources (OER) courses, if available, can save you money.
9. Get Connected
Stay informed.
Check your email regularly, and keep your mobile number up to date in the Student Information Center in MyVWCC. We’ll share important information and resources through texts and emails.
Get involved on campus.
Connect with other students through the Student Activities Office. Virginia Western’s Student Activities Office offers recreation, sports, performing arts, student clubs, field trips and more!
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Contact Us
enroll@virginiawestern.edu
Chapman Hall C108
855-874-6690
Fax: 540-857-6163
Hours
Mon – Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
VWCC Alerts
We use the VW Mass Notification System to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. Get more info and register!