So you’re thinking about going to college but not sure where to start. Have you considered a community college? Thomas Nelson Community College could be the perfect place for you to begin your college journey. As a local Virginia community college, Thomas Nelson offers small class sizes, dedicated professors, and a supportive learning environment, all at an affordable price.
Whether you want to earn an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year school or gain practical career skills to enter the workforce, Thomas Nelson has programs tailored to help you achieve your goals. With campuses located throughout Hampton Roads, Thomas Nelson brings high-quality education close to home. Give your future a boost and discover why Thomas Nelson Community College is right for you.
The History and Reputation of Thomas Nelson Community College

Thomas Nelson Community College has been serving the Hampton Roads area since 1967. With over 100 programs of study to choose from, there’s something for everyone at TNCC.
A Tradition of Excellence
For over 50 years, TNCC has provided high-quality, affordable education and training. TNCC ranks among the top community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute and was named one of the top 150 community colleges in the country eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize.
Flexible Learning Options
TNCC offers day, evening, and online classes so you can fit your education into your busy schedule. Learn in person, online, or do a bit of both – the choice is yours! TNCC also offers short-term training programs and non-credit personal enrichment classes on topics like photography, gardening, and foreign languages.
Transfer Credits
Worried your TNCC credits won’t transfer to a 4-year school? Don’t be. TNCC has guaranteed admission partnerships with many Virginia schools and a high transfer rate overall. Most TNCC credits transfer to public and private Virginia schools.
Affordable Tuition
As a community college, TNCC strives to keep costs low. In-state tuition is a fraction of the cost of a 4-year school. TNCC also provides access to financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans to help make your education affordable.
With a long history of success, flexible options, transferable credits, and affordable tuition, TNCC has everything you need to succeed. Check out TNCC – your community college!
Academic Programs Offered at Thomas Nelson

Thomas Nelson Community College offers a wide range of programs to suit your needs and interests.
Academic Transfer Programs
If you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university, TNCC’s transfer programs are for you. With over 50 majors like Business Administration, Education, and Nursing, you’ll get the first two years of your bachelor’s degree out of the way at an affordable price.
Career & Technical Education
Want to gain skills for a rewarding career? Check out TNCC’s career and technical education programs. Options like Cybersecurity, Paralegal Studies, and Welding Technology provide hands-on learning and opportunities for internships so you can get real-world experience. Many programs also lead to certifications or licenses in high-demand fields.
Additional Learning Opportunities
TNCC offers more than just for-credit programs. The Workforce Development division provides continuing education and training for professionals. You can also audit courses through the Life Enrichment program or study English as a Second Language (ESL) to improve your language skills.
With a dedicated faculty and small class sizes, Thomas Nelson Community College provides a supportive environment for students to learn and grow. Their academic programs offer an affordable path to a new career or four-year college. If you’re looking for a welcoming community college, TNCC just might be the right place for you.
Student Life and Campus Culture
Student life at Thomas Nelson Community College is vibrant and active. With over 200 student clubs and organizations to choose from, there are many ways to get involved and find your niche.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) represents the student body and gives you a voice in campus decisions. Run for elected office or volunteer your time helping to plan events. The SGA hosts social, cultural and community service events throughout the year.
Athletics
Cheer on the Thomas Nelson Skippers at one of 12 intercollegiate athletic teams’ games. Sports include baseball, softball, volleyball, and basketball. Students get free admission to all home games.
Cultural Events
Expand your mind at the many cultural events held on campus like art exhibits, theater productions, dance performances, concerts, and lecture series. These events celebrate diversity and expose you to new ideas.
Community Service
Make a difference through community service projects coordinated by the Center for Civic Engagement and Student Leadership. Past projects include beach cleanups, food drives, Habitat for Humanity builds, and volunteering at local schools. Community service looks great on college applications and resumes.
Overall, Thomas Nelson Community College offers a well-rounded college experience with opportunities for learning, growth, friendship, and fun. Between the mix of clubs, sports, events, and service projects available, you’ll find your place and a chance to thrive. The welcoming, tight-knit campus community feels like home in no time.
Affordability and Financial Aid Options
Thomas Nelson Community College is an affordable option for higher education. The school offers generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make college accessible for everyone.
Affordability and Financial Aid Options

As a public community college, Thomas Nelson’s tuition rates are very affordable. In-state students pay less than $150 per credit, and out-of-state students pay under $350. The school participates in federal grant and loan programs like the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan, which provide need-based aid you don’t have to repay.
Thomas Nelson also offers over 200 scholarships for both new and current students. Some options include:
- Merit-based scholarships for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Award amounts vary but can cover up to half of your tuition.
- Need-based grants for students with a financial hardship. Award amounts vary but aim to cover gaps in your college funding.
- Departmental scholarships for students in specific programs like nursing, engineering, education, and cybersecurity. Award amounts vary but often cover $500 to $2,000 per year.
In addition to federal and state aid, Thomas Nelson partners with local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses to provide private scholarships. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA and scholarship applications to find out what you may qualify for. With all these affordable options, a college degree is within your reach at Thomas Nelson Community College.
The school’s financial aid advisors can walk you through the application process and help determine the best ways to fund your education. Don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions you may have about affording college. They’re there to help make your dream of earning a degree a reality.
Preparing for Success After Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson provides resources to help you succeed after graduating. The college offers career counseling and job placement assistance to prepare you for finding work in your field of study.
Build Your Network
Take advantage of the career fairs and networking events Thomas Nelson hosts each semester. These are great opportunities to connect with local employers and build your professional network. You never know which connections may lead to internships, job offers, or letters of recommendation down the road.
Polish Your Resume
Work with a career counselor to develop a strong resume highlighting your education, skills, and experience. They can help you tailor your resume for different positions and give you tips for making a great first impression. Don’t forget to include any clubs, sports, or volunteering you participated in – these show your soft skills and interests.
Search for Jobs
Check the job boards on Thomas Nelson’s website and career portal regularly. Many local employers post jobs specifically seeking Thomas Nelson students and alumni. You’ll also find nationwide job listings on major sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster and Glassdoor. Start your search at least 3 to 6 months before graduating.
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Consider Further Education

If you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher, Thomas Nelson has transfer partnerships with several four-year schools in Virginia. Meet with an academic advisor to determine what credits will transfer and the admission requirements for your desired program. They can also help you find scholarships and financial aid to fund your continued education.
Preparing for life after Thomas Nelson may seem daunting, but with the right planning and support, you’ll be on your way to an exciting new chapter. Take advantage of all the resources available and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this! With hard work and persistence, you’ll achieve your goals and find success in whatever path you choose.
FAQ
One of the best things about Thomas Nelson Community College is how affordable it is. With tuition under $5,000 a year for in-state students, you’ll save a ton of money on your education.
Will my credits transfer?
Absolutely! TNCC has transfer agreements with many four-year schools in Virginia, so your credits will transfer smoothly. Some programs like Business Administration even have guaranteed admission agreements with schools like William & Mary and Old Dominion University.
What degrees and programs do you offer?
We offer associate’s degrees and certificates in over 50 areas of study. Some of the most popular programs are:
- Nursing: Become an RN in just two years. Our nursing program has a great reputation in the state.
- Computer Science: Learn skills that translate directly to jobs like web development, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
- General Studies: Explore your interests and get your gen eds out of the way before transferring to a four-year school.
Do you have student activities and sports teams?
Yes! We have lots of clubs, organizations, and intramural sports teams to get involved in. Some options include:
- Student Government Association: Help organize events and shape the student experience.
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society: For students with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Looks great on college applications!
- Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and more: Compete with other students for fun and stay active.
Is there student housing?
We do not currently offer student housing or dorms. Most TNCC students live at home or rent apartments and houses in the area. The campus is very commuter-friendly with lots of parking available.
With small class sizes, dedicated professors, and a supportive community, Thomas Nelson Community College has everything you need to earn your degree and prepare for your dream career or next step in your education. The opportunities are endless at TNCC!
Conclusion
You owe it to yourself to consider Thomas Nelson Community College for the next step in your education. With small class sizes, a variety of programs to choose from, and opportunities to get involved around campus, TNCC has something for everyone.
The college experience is what you make of it, so why not choose a place where you can build close relationships with professors, find your passion, and get the support you need to achieve your dreams? At the end of the day, your college choice comes down to going where you feel you can grow into your best self. If that place is TNCC, then what are you waiting for? Take the next step—you’ve got this!