Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC) is a two-year institution offering higher education to the residents of the cities of Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and Newport News, and the counties of York and James City. The history of Thomas Nelson Community College dates back to 1966 when Virginia’s General Assembly established a statewide system of community colleges. A local committee performed a feasibility analysis for the setting up of a community college in the heart of the population center of Peninsula area and got an approval for the same from the State Board of Community Colleges. The site for the college was purchased by the city of Hampton and the construction work of the college was over in 1968. Classes began with a total enrollment of 1,232 students. The first batch of students graduated with associate’s degrees in 1970.

Thomas Nelson Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for awarding associate degrees.

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Information Summary

Ranks 84th in Virginia and 3235th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	47.6
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$6,106
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	22 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	58% / 39%
Enrollment Total (all students)	7,685

Academics

Thomas Nelson Community College offers various degrees such as the Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.A.), and Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees.

The Associate of Arts degree is aimed at students who want to major in liberal arts and intend to seek transfer to a four-year university or college after completing their associate degree. The specializations offered with the Associate of Arts degree include English education, foreign languages, and international studies.

The Associate of Science degree is aimed at students who want to major in specialized curricula such as engineering, sciences, and other pre-professional programs with the aim of transferring to a four-year college/university. The fields of study available with the Associate of Science degree include business administration, engineering, general studies, information technology, computer science, education, math education, and social science.

The Associate of Applied Arts degree is designed for students who intend to major in an arts-related curriculum and plan to seek full-time employment, immediately post-graduation. The students pursuing the Associate of Applied Arts degree can major in fine arts.

The Associate of Applied Science degree is aimed at students who want to major in an occupational-technical curriculum and plan to seek full-time employment, immediately post-graduation. The fields of study available with the Associate of Applied Science degree include accounting, administration of justice, automotive technology, computer-aided drafting and design technology, dental hygiene, electronics technology, and photography. The Thomas Nelson Community College also offers an associate degree in nursing.

In addition to the above-mentioned degree programs, Thomas Nelson Community College offers various certifications in areas such as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Communication Design Multimedia, Industrial Management, and Early Childhood Development Assistant.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

To apply to Thomas Nelson Community College, students need to be 18 years or older, should have graduated from high school or equivalent, and should be able to demonstrate the ability to benefit from the education offered at the college. Students need to fill the admission form and submit their high school transcripts or GED. Transfer students need to submit the transcripts of the colleges/universities previously attended. To determine the college readiness of students and to test their existing level of functioning in math, reading, and writing, students are required to take the COMPASS assessment test. The students who have taken the SAT/ACT tests, selected advanced placement tests, or have transcripts to prove experience in previous college coursework are exempt from taking the test. While evaluating admission applications, the first priority is given to qualified students who are domiciliary residents of the political subdivisions supporting the college.

It must be noted that Thomas Nelson Community College only admits foreign students already residing in the service area and does not entertain requests of students applying for admissions from abroad.

Financial Aid

Thomas Nelson Community College provides financial aid to students to help them meet their educational expenses. The college believes in the principle that all eligible residents of the service area of the college have a right to obtain higher education, irrespective of their financial status. The different forms of financial aids available to students include: grants, work-study opportunities, scholarships, and student loans. To apply for financial aid from Thomas Nelson Community College, students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education. The school recommends a priority deadline of May 1 to apply for financial aid.

The grants available for Thomas Nelson students include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Academic Competitiveness Grant. Students can also apply for various loans such as Federal Direct (subsidized and unsubsidized) loans and Federal Parent PLUS loans. Students can opt for work-study programs wherein they can seek employment with on or off-campus employers. Other forms of aids administered to students include the College Scholarship Assistance Program, Commonwealth Award (COMA) and Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) awards, and the Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program (PTAP).

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Students at Thomas Nelson Community College have a number of resources available to make their educational experience worthwhile. Counseling services available on campus assist students in making well-informed decisions pertaining to their education and career. The bookstore at the Thomas Nelson Community College stocks books, apparels, accessories, various kinds of school and dorm supplies, and computer software and peripherals. The Student Government represents the interests of the students and oversees the functioning of the student clubs and organizations. There are various clubs on the campus such as Active Minds, Club Expressions, International Club, and Science Club. The Velocity Dance represents a group of students who perform a combination of jazz, modern, and hip-hop dances. The cafeteria located in the Griffin Hall serves hot and cold entrees. There are food vending machines at various places throughout the campus.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The students of the Thomas Nelson Community College participate in various intercollegiate athletic events against other community colleges and local leagues. The college sports include men’s and women’s intercollegiate baseball, basketball, and flag football. Intramural sports are also available at the college and the activities include volleyball, soccer, tennis and walking for fitness competitions.

Bibliography

Thomas Nelson Community College. General Information. Web. 3 August 2011.

Thomas Nelson Community College. Financial Information. Web. 3 August 2011.

Thomas Nelson Community College. TNCC College Catalog 2011-2012. 2011. Print.

Thomas Nelson Community College