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Institution Profile
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Institution Profile
Campus Setting
Details
Public 2-Year
TCC Blue
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
StormBird
Undergraduate
24579
Transfer-in
3647
Overall
17
Years 1 & 2
17
Years 3 & 4
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College
Tidewater Community College has served South Hampton Roads -- both students and employers -- for over 50 years. It has grown from 1 campus into a regional educational and economic force.
Founded in 1968 as part of the Virginia Community College System, Tidewater Community College (TCC) serves the South Hampton Roads region through four campuses located in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach, along with several convenient off-campus sites.
TCC is the second-largest institution among Virginia’s 23 community colleges, enrolling over 24,000 students during the 2024–2025 academic year. In that same year, the college awarded degrees and certificates to 3,399 graduates -- 39% of whom pursued programs designed for transfer to four-year institutions.
Among South Hampton Roads residents enrolled in higher education, 33% chose TCC. The college’s regional accreditation is affirmed through 2027 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Academics
Freshman Definition
Students are classified as freshmen until they have completed 30 credits of coursework.
College Fit
At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed f...see moreAt TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Freshman Student Catalog Year
Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
English Language Proficiency
The English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test is required for non-native English speaking students.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Application Fee
No application fee.
Application Type(s)
It is Free & Easy to Apply to TCC! Our free application for admission is the first step towards enrollment at Tidewater ...see moreIt is Free & Easy to Apply to TCC! Our free application for admission is the first step towards enrollment at Tidewater Community College. In order to attend TCC classes, you must apply to TCC with an application.
Transcripts
In some cases, an official high school transcript may be required.
If required, all official transcripts must be sent ...see moreIn some cases, an official high school transcript may be required.
If required, all official transcripts must be sent to the Office of the College Registrar directly from the sending school, either by mail or electronically.
Tests
Some students will need to complete placement testing with the Virginia Place...see moreSome students will need to complete placement testing with the Virginia Placement Test to determine their readiness for dual enrollment course work, apprenticeships, and certain selective admissions programs. These are not admission tests. They evaluate your readiness. However, you do not want to be placed in a course lower than your actual skill level - so it is important you take testing seriously.
Placement tests are free, and you can take them on any TCC campus. Email testing@tcc.edu or call 757-822-2194. More information can be found at https://www.tcc.edu/come-to-tcc/placement-testing/.
Essay
An essay is not required.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is not required.
Interview
An interview is not required.
Important Dates
Freshman Application Deadline
Fall
Apply to TCC at any time - we have many flexible course offerings.
Freshman Application Deadline
Spring
Apply to TCC at any time - we have many flexible course offerings.
Freshman Financial Aid Date
TCC continually processes financial aid from March 1 through the end of the financial aid year. If you miss the March 1 ...see moreTCC continually processes financial aid from March 1 through the end of the financial aid year. If you miss the March 1 deadline you may still apply for aid. June 30 is the deadline each year to file the FAFSA for that aid year.
Freshman Financial Aid Date
TCC continually processes financial aid from March 1 through the end of the financial aid year. If you miss the March 1 ...see moreTCC continually processes financial aid from March 1 through the end of the financial aid year. If you miss the March 1 deadline you may still apply for aid. June 30 is the deadline each year to file the FAFSA for that aid year.
Academics
Transfer Definition
A transfer student is a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses ...see moreA transfer student is a student that has graduated from high school (or holds a GED equivalency) AND has taken courses at a college or university.
College Fit
At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed f...see moreAt TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Associate Transfer Degree Completion
The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degre...see moreThe student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associates
TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduati...see moreTCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
Accepts Credits for Prior Learning
TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, wo...see moreTCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.
For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning
Course Transfer Criteria
TCC requires an official transcript to consider credits for transfer. ...see more
- TCC requires an official transcript to consider credits for transfer.
- Grade earned must be equivalent to a C (2.0) grade or better.
- Transcript must list a grade and credit earned.
- Upon receipt of an official college transcript, TCC will post all eligible credit to the TCC academic record.
- Credit cannot be removed from the TCC academic record for any reason.
- Course work successfully completed at other colleges and universities recognized by the accrediting associations will be considered for transfer credit.
General Education Programs
TCC accepts Passport and UCGS courses from other Virginia Community Colleges.
English Language Proficiency
The English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test is required for non-native English speaking students.
Guaranteed Admission Agreement (GAA) Application Process
Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - w...see moreCompleting the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer.
https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Application Fee
No application fee.
Transcripts
All official transcripts, JSTs and test scores must be sent to the Office of the...see moreAll official transcripts, JSTs and test scores must be sent to the Office of the College Registrar. Official Transcripts must come directly from the school/military/CollegeBoard through a secure platform such as Parchment, Clearinghouse, CollegeBoard, etc. The OCR team will review your transcripts/scores and complete your evaluation. We accept credits from regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities.
For more information:
https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Transfer-credits-to-TCC
Tests
TCC can award credit to future students for previous college work completed, examinations, and other experience. Whether...see moreTCC can award credit to future students for previous college work completed, examinations, and other experience. Whether you have taken an AP test, CLEP, IB, Dantes or earned dual enrollment credit while in high school, you may be able to earn TCC credit.
Essay
An essay is not required.
Letters of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is not required.
Interview
An interview is not required.
Important Dates
Transfer Application Deadline
Fall
Apply to TCC at any time - we have many flexible course offerings.
Transfer Application Deadline
Spring
Apply to TCC at any time - we have many flexible course offerings.
Explore Our Majors
The card links below take you to pages on the Tidewater Community College website. Find detailed information on Tidewater Community College programs and courses in this portal.
Special Transfer Opportunities
Academic Options
Flexible Degree Options
Online Degree Options Available
Weekend/Evening Courses Available
Summer Courses Available
Concurrent Enrollment
Reverse Transfer
Campus Services and Engagement
Campus Housing
Military Friendly
Yellow Ribbon Program
Recognized Student Veteran Organization
Helpful Links
Contact This Institution