Exploring Programs and Courses at Eastern Shore Community College
Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC), established in 1971, serves as a cornerstone of higher education, workforce development, and community enrichment on the Eastern Shore. ESCC provides various educational opportunities, from career and technical programs to academic transfer pathways, continuing education, and community-focused courses.
Pathways to Success: Career & Technical Education and Academic Transfer Programs
ESCC offers avenues for students to directly enter rewarding careers through its career and technical education programs. The college also provides academic transfer programs for students planning to pursue a four-year degree.
Guaranteed Admission Agreements
ESCC has agreements with more than 25 Virginia four-year institutions, offering six transfer Associate's degrees with guaranteed admission. Students can begin their higher education journey at ESCC and seamlessly transition to a four-year university.
Comprehensive Educational Offerings
Beyond degree programs, ESCC supports the community through various educational services, including GED preparation and testing, customized training for local businesses, and non-credit personal enrichment courses.
Accessible Education
More than half of ESCC students receive financial aid based on financial need and/or academic performance. The college's tuition and fees are significantly lower than those of public four-year institutions and private colleges, making education accessible and affordable.
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Flexible Learning Environment
ESCC provides rigorous online, in-person, and hybrid classes to accommodate diverse student schedules. These courses are taught by experienced faculty, ensuring a high-quality learning experience with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Robust Support Services
ESCC offers a range of support services, including advising, financial aid assistance, and learning resources, to help students succeed academically and personally. The college also provides access to modern technology for all students.
Diverse Student Body
ESCC serves a diverse population of students from various ethnic, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those from public, private, and home-school environments.
The YES! Culture
ESCC fosters a welcoming and supportive environment through its YES! (Your Eastern Shore) culture. YES! encourages students, teachers, and staff to maintain a positive outlook, develop personal visions, and take pride in the college and the Shore community.
Admission and Enrollment
Prospective students can apply to ESCC at any time. Most courses are offered in 8-week sessions, allowing for flexible enrollment options.
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Transcript Submission
Applicants must submit official high school transcripts upon graduation. All official transcripts, Joint Services Transcripts (JSTs), and test scores should be sent directly to the Office of the College Registrar through secure platforms like Parchment, Clearinghouse, or CollegeBoard. The Registrar team evaluates these documents to determine placement and transfer credit.
Transfer Students
A transfer student is defined as someone who has graduated with a standard high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) and has completed coursework at another college or university.
Placement
ESCC does not require placement tests for students with a standard high school diploma, GED, or higher. The college uses data from the VCCS (Virginia Community College System) Direct Enrollment Survey to determine English and Math placement.
Transfer Credit
Students must earn 25% of their credits at ESCC to be awarded an Associate degree from the institution. Transfer students with a completed Associate degree will be awarded credit for SDV 100 (Student Development). Transcripts are evaluated for additional course transfer credits. ESCC accepts online science labs to fulfill General Education Requirements. A minimum grade of "C" is required for courses to transfer. Students transferring to ESCC from another college or university will be awarded SDV 100, ENG 111, and ENG 112. The transcript will be evaluated for other course transfer.
Financial Aid
To be eligible for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at least two weeks before registering for classes, unless they plan to pay out-of-pocket.
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Degree Completion
While ESCC offers a wide range of online courses, it does not offer degrees that can be earned entirely online.
Transfer Planning
ESCC recommends that students begin planning their transfer to a four-year institution during their first semester. The college provides resources and advising to facilitate a smooth transfer process.
Athletics
ESCC is launching a soccer team in the Fall of 2025, offering students an opportunity to participate in collegiate athletics.
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