Sentara College of Health Sciences
The Vibe Check
Sentara College of Health Sciences feels like a focused, career-driven professional hub rather than a traditional college campus. The atmosphere is intensely collaborative and clinical, with students deeply immersed in their studies and driven by the shared goal of entering the healthcare field. It's a place of practical application, where the energy is centered on hands-on skills and preparing for real-world patient care.
Academics & Majors
The college's academic strength is laser-focused on health professions, offering highly specialized programs in fields like Nursing, Radiography, and Surgical Technology. The curriculum is designed for intensive, hands-on learning with direct integration into the Sentara Healthcare system, providing unparalleled clinical experience. Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction from instructors who are often active professionals in their fields.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Chesapeake
Chesapeake offers a blend of suburban comfort and access to nearby urban amenities, with students often enjoying outdoor activities at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or local parks. For more diverse entertainment, dining, and nightlife, students can easily take a short drive to the neighboring cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The social life is often centered around study groups and connecting with peers from the various health programs.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($77,821):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a professional park setting in Chesapeake, which is generally considered a safe suburban area. As a commuter-focused institution with professional clinical partnerships, the campus environment is secure and purpose-driven.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Direct pipeline to employment within the extensive Sentara Healthcare network.
- ✓ High median earnings ($77,821) relative to the program lengths and focus.
- ✓ Highly focused, hands-on curriculum designed for immediate job readiness.
- ✓ Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from instructors.
Cons
- ✗ Extremely limited campus life and extracurriculars as it's a commuter-focused college.
- ✗ Programs are highly specialized, offering little academic flexibility or room to explore other interests.
- ✗ The urban setting is more corporate/professional park than a traditional 'college town' atmosphere.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Sentara College of Health Sciences is known for its highly focused and respected programs in the health professions, particularly Nursing, Radiography, and Surgical Technology. Its primary distinction is its deep integration with the Sentara Healthcare system, which provides students with exceptional, hands-on clinical training and a direct pathway to employment upon graduation.
Admissions at Sentara College of Health Sciences are competitive, as the specialized health programs have limited clinical spots. While the college serves a diverse student body (with a 34.5% Pell Grant rate), applicants need strong academic records, particularly in prerequisite science courses. The most successful applicants clearly demonstrate a commitment to a specific healthcare career and often have relevant experience.
Campus life at Sentara College of Health Sciences is professional, focused, and commuter-oriented. There are no traditional dorms or a large residential community, so the social atmosphere is built around academic collaboration and clinical rotations. Students report that life is centered on their studies and preparing for their careers, with a supportive but intense environment.
Yes, the degree offers an excellent return on investment. The 10-year median earnings of $77,821 are significantly high for programs that can be completed in two to four years. The combination of accessible tuition, strong earning potential, and a direct link to a major regional employer like Sentara makes it a financially sound choice for a stable career in healthcare.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1919
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 434
- Zip Code 23320
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings of $77,821, the financial return on investment for a Sentara degree is exceptionally strong, especially considering the likely lower tuition compared to a four-year university. The high Pell Grant rate of 34.5% indicates that the institution serves a significant number of students from lower-income backgrounds, making it an accessible pathway to a stable, well-paying career in the growing healthcare sector. The direct connection to the Sentara health system can also provide a clear employment pipeline for graduates, further enhancing its value.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.