Southwest Virginia Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a state-wide system of community colleges with a physical service area covering the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell, and Tazewell. The College operates under policies established by the State Board for Community Colleges and a College Advisory Board. The institution is financed primarily by State funds supplemented by contributions from the participating localities. The College operates on the semester system and is open on a year-round basis. Classes are normally held from 8:00 am to 9:50 pm.
Snippet: 115,000
Map of Southwest Virginia highlighting Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties, along with community college centers and incorporated towns. This regional map shows key educational hubs such as Haysi, Booth, Lebanon, Castlewood, Cedar Bluff, and Richlands, serving students across rural communities.
The 1966 General Assembly of Virginia authorized the establishment of a statewide system of comprehensive community colleges and appointed a separate State Board to develop a Master Plan for a statewide system of community college education in Virginia. The Master Plan designated a community college to be established in the area serving the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson (partial), Russell, and Tazewell.
Offering more than 80 programs of study, Southwest has served more than 115,000 students since 1967. A 2019 alumni survey revealed that 98% of Southwest’s graduates recommend the college.
Programs of study include criminal justice, business, education, engineering and technology, general studies (transfer), industry and manufacturing, and science/health technologies. In addition to classes being offered at the college’s main campus, the Lebanon Center, Bluefield Center, Southern Gap Center, and Booth Center in Grundy, online classes are available.
In addition to these credit-based programs, the Southwest Virginia Community College Workforce and Continuing Education Department offers fast-track training and industry-recognized credentials. The Workforce and Continuing Education program also offers customized, cost-effective training solutions for employers.
New additions at Southwest include a new School of the Arts, an expanded Agriculture program, an Honors College, 14 NJCAA sports teams, and 5 club sports. These programs are designed to benefit students and the community at large, with impacts going beyond the college’s campus.
Southwest Virginia Community College has financial aid options that make paying for a college education easier. In addition to low tuition rates compared to 4-year or private colleges, tuition-free options are available for residents of Buchanan County and recent high school graduates residing in Russell and Tazewell Counties. In-state tuition rates are available for West Virginia residents living in the counties of Mercer, McDowell, Summers, Monroe, or Greenbrier.
In addition to serving students, Southwest is impacting its service area with more than $165 million annually, according to a new study. Read more about the Economic Impact Study findings.
Southwest Virginia Community College transforms lives, strengthens communities, and inspires excellence.
Southwest Virginia Community College, a comprehensive two-year institution, provides quality educational and cultural enrichment opportunities for lifelong learners, workforce, and community.
Steadfast core values guide SWCC. As a community of educators, we value:
