Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Tidewater Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Tidewater Community College's general studies certificate costs more than typical programs in this category, but it delivers where it counts: graduates earn $31,688 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among Virginia programs and 78th percentile nationally. That's $7,700 more than the typical Virginia graduate in this field and $4,600 above the national median. Only Virginia Peninsula Community College among in-state competitors produces comparable earnings.
The debt picture requires a more careful look. At $15,000, graduates carry about $5,800 more debt than the state median for these certificates. However, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that most can pay down within a few years. The key question is whether the premium cost reflects added services, better transfer pathways, or simply location-specific expenses in the Norfolk area.
For families weighing this certificate as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree or immediate workforce entry, the strong earnings performance suggests Tidewater is doing something right in preparing students for the Hampton Roads job market. The higher debt is a tradeoff, but with earnings this competitive, graduates start from a stronger financial position than most of their Virginia peers. Just ensure the certificate aligns with your student's specific transfer or career goals, since general studies programs can vary widely in their actual focus and outcomes.
Where Tidewater Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Tidewater Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Tidewater Community College graduates earn $32k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities certificate's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College | $31,688 | — | $14,942 | 0.47 |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | $31,228 | $34,831 | $10,375 | 0.33 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College | $28,910 | $30,790 | $9,250 | 0.32 |
| Germanna Community College | $26,037 | $40,605 | $8,187 | 0.31 |
| New River Community College | $25,798 | — | — | — |
| Brightpoint Community College | $25,451 | $33,162 | $8,750 | 0.34 |
| National Median | $27,024 | — | $9,375 | 0.35 |
Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Peninsula Community College Hampton | $4,944 | $31,228 | $10,375 |
| Piedmont Virginia Community College Charlottesville | $4,928 | $28,910 | $9,250 |
| Germanna Community College Locust Grove | $5,066 | $26,037 | $8,187 |
| New River Community College Dublin | $4,835 | $25,798 | — |
| Brightpoint Community College Chester | $4,938 | $25,451 | $8,750 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tidewater Community College, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.