Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC, PHCC, PH) Academics and Admissions

Academics

One of the oldest two-year colleges in the state of Virginia, Patrick Henry Community College was founded in the 1960s as part of the University of Virginia’s School of General Studies. A couple of years later, the college broke off on its own and became an independent college. Patrick Henry Community College has been accredited for years, and offers students a number of programs that prepare them either for continuing on to study at a four-year college or for entering the contemporary workforce.

With just under 5,000 students enrolled at a time, Patrick Henry Community College is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking for a slightly more personalized academic experience. Class sizes are reasonably small, and over 30 associate’s degrees are offered, as well as 50 career studies certificate programs and 11 certificate programs.

The top three degree programs at Patrick Henry Community College are Administration of Justice, Nursing, and General Studies. In addition to typical college course in the liberal arts, the school is dedicated to providing extensive workforce development training, with a focus on preparing students for current conditions, including the latest technology in a number of different fields. The school offers industrial certificates and a number of trade-based certifications, too.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 79th in Virginia and 3195th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	48.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,086
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	29 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	65% / 52%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,266

Admissions

Registering to attend Patrick Henry Community College is a relatively straightforward process. Fill out the application, and be sure to note whether or not you took dual enrollment classes, or if you had completed previous post-secondary coursework that may or may not transfer for credit but will determine where, if admitted, you would be placed. There is an Empl ID that will be emailed after students submit their application, high school diploma or GED, and ACT and SAT scores. The Empl ID is important because the college uses it for students to take their placement test, called the COMPASS test. The COMPASS test allows the school to determine what level courses their incoming students should be enrolling in, and is a great help to making sure that you start your time at Patrick Henry Community College right at the level that you should be.

Once students are enrolled, it is important that they make appointments to meet and talk with their advisors. Advisors will help provide advice on enrolling in classes, as well as explain the registration process. For normal, daytime courses, registration must take place before the semester begins, over in the Integrated Advising, Testing, and Career Center, sometimes abbreviated as IATCC.

All students who are attending Patrick Henry Community College must attend SDV 108, known as College Survival Skills. The course is required and provides students with study techniques as well as other important lessons that are crucial to success, no matter what program one is enrolling in.

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Financial Aid

When students apply online to attend classes, they will also receive a form to fill out regarding financial aid. Many students who are enrolled at Patrick Henry Community College receive some form of financial aid, and eligibility results are available two weeks to a month after the initial paperwork is completed. The head of the financial aid department can be personally called or emailed for any assistance with filling out FAFSA forms or applying for outside scholarships, and the school maintains a comprehensive web site in their Student Information section that details additional tips and tricks for maximizing one’s financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 377th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Virginia.

Students

Most students at Patrick Henry Community College are either heading to college later than average, or on their way back to school to learn a new skill or to enhance their previous knowledge. The average age of a student is 32, and many students go on to finish full four-year degrees at Radford University, Ferrum College, Virginia Tech, and Old Dominion University.

There are a number of on-campus activities designed to foster learning and appreciation in the on-campus community. Students who are artistically inclined have free reign of submitting their work for student shows year-round at the Walker Fine Arts/Student Center Gallery, and theatre productions are put on at least twice yearly. Additionally, for those students who are more inclined towards outdoor activities, there’s an unbeatable nature trail, complete with a challenge course that will test physical and mental limitations. Many students participate in the on-campus clubs, while even more of them take advantage of the free tutoring that is offered. Community service is also a large part of campus life.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

At Patrick Henry Community College, athletics are very much alive and well. The school’s mascot is the Patriot, and all students are welcome to use the fitness and weight rooms, even if they aren’t participating in formalized school sports. There is a full-size gymnasium as well as a truly unique motorsports program. Students can participate in basketball and baseball as official teams, or sign up for any one of the clubs that offers a chance to pursue athletics at a more leisurely pace.

Patrick Henry Community College