Teaching Assistants/Aides at Tidewater Community College

Tidewater Community College's teaching assistant program graduates earn 37% more than the national median for this credential, though the limited sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably year to year. With debt below the 5th percentile nationally and earnings reaching the 77th, this represents an unusual combination—most programs at this price point don't deliver these kinds of earnings advantages.

The $12,000 debt load translates to roughly six months of first-year earnings, a manageable burden for an entry-level educational support role. That said, $23,117 annually is still a tight starting salary in most Virginia metros, even if it outpaces what teaching assistants typically make elsewhere. Graduates should expect this certificate to serve as a stepping stone rather than a career endpoint—many use it to enter school systems while pursuing additional credentials.

The real uncertainty here stems from the small cohort size. With only three Virginia schools offering this program and fewer than 30 graduates tracked, a single high or low earner can dramatically swing the numbers. If you're considering this path, verify current job placement rates with the college directly and understand that actual outcomes for your child could look quite different from these medians.