Ever feel like some schools are more concerned with the faculty than the student? Virginia College is focused on student satisfaction and outcomes. Students are given personalized service and attention from professionals in academics, technology, financial planning, and career development to help them achieve their specific academic goals.
Virginia College Online Program Accreditation
The online degree programs at Virginia College were previously accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent College and Schools (ACICS). But, in 2017 began transitioning to a new accreditor, the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
At this time, the U.S. Department of Education has recognized Virginia College as an institution in good standing. VC is provisionally accredited by the Department of Education.
Applying to Virginia College Online
Many students pursuing an online degree might dread the lengthy application process many schools have. But, Virginia College eliminates the long essays and even longer applications in favor of a simple application process.
To start the process, students fill out a brief questionnaire outlining their academic interests. Then, an admissions representative reaches out to help them through the rest of the process. They’re here to help answer any questions you may have about potential programs and remind you of important class deadlines. In short, they’re here to make sure your first step into your education is as stress-free as possible!
Virginia College has an open admissions policy. This non-competitive application process could make more degree programs accessible to students with different backgrounds.
Enrolling in Virginia College Online
In 2015, 2,138 students enrolled in Virginia College. 97% of those students enrolled in undergraduate classes. 65% of the student body chose to pursue classes full-time, while the remaining 35% chose to attend classes part-time. Finally, 77% of the incoming students were female and 23% were male.
It’s also interesting to look at the age breakdown of VC students. For example, 77% of incoming undergraduate students in 2015 were over the age of 25. Many adults choose to return to their education at Virginia College. With such a diverse student body, students may feel more welcome on campus or online while pursuing their studies.i*
Online Programs at Virginia College
Virginia College associate, bachelors and masters degree programs emphasize a fast and focused method without sacrificing the quality education that students and employers demand. VC constantly researches the job market to make certain they are offering those career programs in which the greatest job growth is expected.
And, many of your classes may be available online as well, so you could take them anytime, anywhere, so long as you have a reliable Internet connection. These flexible courses could be perfect for students balancing work, family, or even military obligations. And while you may be working online, much of the potential campus benefits could still be available to you. For instance, career placement assistance, professional instructors, and personalized services are made available for distance learning students.
Virginia College offers online degrees in the business and healthcare fields. For more information about specific degree offerings, head over to VC.edu.
Earning an Associate in Business Administration Degree Online at VC
The associate degree in business administration program is a popular Virginia College online program. The goal of the program is to develop students’ understanding of the demands placed on professionals in the business industry. Courses in this concentration are focused on practically applying your knowledge in real-world settings. For example, you could have the chance to take some of the following classes.
- Fundamentals of Business
- Management & Finance
- Customer Service
- Project Planning
- Workplace Ethics
The business program also highly values computer training skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace. To this end, programs may also require students to take computer science courses to enhance general computer literacy.
But, Virginia College also emphasizes other, non-academic aspects of the business world. For instance, VC offers seminars and classes on how to appear professional in the workplace. To offer students a holistic education, VC business curriculum might also cover some of the following topics.
- Punctuality
- Dress Codes
- Professional Etiquette
These are only a few subjects you could study during your time at Virginia College. For more information about the business administration program and others, head over to VC.edu.
Virginia College Financial Aid Programs
One of the first questions many of prospective Virginia College students ask is, "How will I pay for college?" The answer is the right combination of financial aid programs that can help you manage the costs involved in obtaining your degree.
The Financial Aid department at Virginia College is prepared to discuss how a combination of scholarships, Pell grants, and student loans are available to those who require assistance and qualify. It can be a complicated process, but they’re here, ready to help you make the best decisions.
And it shows! In the 2014-2015 school year, 93% of full-time, beginning undergraduate students received some sort of financial aid. Of those same students, 88% received aid from a grant or scholarship. Another 85% would receive student loan aid.ii*
You know exactly what your education will cost - up front and in detail! There are no hidden or unexpected add-on fees (some programs may require that you purchase specialized items or pay one-time fees, but you know about those from the start). In most cases, even textbooks are included in the total price. This alone could make hundreds of dollars of difference per quarter.
Virginia College Faculty
Instructors from Virginia College are typically real-world professionals with many years of experience in their career fields. These people could offer insight into your desired field. At Virginia College, our instructors don't just teach a course, they live it.
Virginia College employees 56 full-time and 129 part-time faculty members. 100% of these professors spend their time instructing students. Their time might not be consumed with conducting outside research or other projects. This means they could devote more individualized attention to their students. That’s you!
And, VC strives to provide individual attention for its students. The school believes a perfect learning environment includes smaller classes. They know many of their students have had varying experiences with attending college in the past. At Virginia College, you’re not just a number, they take a personal interest in your success!
It’s also important to note that VC doesn’t employee graduate assistants to teach courses. Courses are solely taught by employed faculty members.iii*
But Wait, There’s More!
While students may be worried about the academics, Virginia College has so much more to offer! Online students especially could have access to services and support systems that make Virginia College stand out from the rest. Below are a few examples that sets VC apart from the pack.
Virginia College Online Military Services
Many men and women have given their lives to defending the nation. Now it’s time for Virginia College to pay them back! VC offers opportunities tailored the unique needs of active and inactive servicemembers.
In addition to the normal services provided to students, VC has a Military Student Center. This team works directly with military students to help schedule courses and eventually move on into the professional world.
Virginia College has been honored for their programs supporting military students. Below are a few of these awards.
- #7 Top Military School in 2016, Military Times
- Named a Top Military School by Military Advanced Education
- Named a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine
Virginia College Online Career Services
Once you have the degree, do you know how to begin your new career? Maybe you're looking for a new profession, or just want to move ahead in the one that you already have. Virginia College’s Career Development associates stand ready to assist you in obtaining or enhancing your career wherever you are. And, they might even help you with job placement services well beyond graduation!
How could the career services team help you pursue your passion? Career specialists could help students in some of the following ways.
- Resume Review
- Interview Prep
- Career Counseling
- Job Market Research
- Networking Opportunities
Earning Your Virginia College Online Degree
In 2015-2016, Virginia College conferred a number of degrees at the associate, bachelors, and masters levels. 600 degrees to be exact! VC is committed to ensuring that students could earn their degree in a timely fashion. And, that they’re could apply their knowledge to pursue a career they are passionate about.
For example, Virginia College conferred some of the following amount of associate degrees in 2015-2016 in the listed fields.iv
- Business, Management, & Marketing: 154
- Health Professions and Related Programs: 220
- Computer Information and Sciences: 51
Pursuing Your Education with Virginia College
Virginia College could be a great environment to not only take the next step of your education but begin to develop knowledge necessary for the professional world. Whether you’re returning to your education, or just starting out, there may be programs and services in place to support your educational journey.
For more information about degree offerings, online programs, and more, check out VC.edu.
*These numbers reflect Virginia College’s main campus in Birmingham, Alabama.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Education Dynamics is a private company that is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education.
[i] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=virginia+college&s=all&pg=2&id=420307 | [ii] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=virginia+college&s=all&pg=2&id=420307 | [iii] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=virginia+college&s=all&pg=2&id=420307 | [iv] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=virginia+college&s=all&pg=2&id=420307
