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Mental Health Services at Virginia Peninsula Community College

Hampton, VA · Public · Associate Degree · Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

a compact campus enrolling 3,901 students in Hampton, VA.

Program Analysis

Virginia Peninsula Community College's Mental Health Services graduates start at $25,271/yr, trailing the $36,448 national average by 31%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 43.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Mental Health Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

A #51 ranking among 61 Mental Health Services programs places Virginia Peninsula Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,271-to-$40,851 earnings arc over five years reflects a 62% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Mental Health Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $25,271/yr (-31% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (70% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (200,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$443K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
44.8x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
17 of 17
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$9,888
Out-of-state: $21,894
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,851
62% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Mental Health Services graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620 +17.3% 52%
Genetic counselors $98,910 +9.3% 50%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $95,830 +11.2% 63%
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
$105,620
+17.3% growth 52% AI-proof
Genetic counselors
$98,910
+9.3% growth 50% AI-proof
Clinical and counseling psychologists
$95,830
+11.2% growth 63% AI-proof

View all 17 career paths with full salary data →

Mental Health Services Career Guide

Mental Health Services opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Mental Health Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mental Health Services Overview

View all 61 schools offering Mental Health Services →

Mental Health Services at Other Schools

Coalinga College ($72,116) Coalinga College ($71,517) Lemoore College ($71,182) Lemoore College ($69,125) Mt San Antonio College ($59,278) Pueblo Community College ($59,198) Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts ($53,451) Minneapolis Community and Technical College ($49,629)

Other Majors at Virginia Peninsula Community College

Nursing ($67,353) Business Administration ($43,047) Business Administration ($42,039) Business Operations Support ($34,177) Liberal Arts & Humanities ($31,228) Social Sciences ($25,478) Biological & Physical Sciences ($25,468)

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Compare Mental Health Services degree programs on DegreeOutlook →

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Virginia Peninsula Community College's Mental Health Services program score?
This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Mental Health Services programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Is Virginia Peninsula Community College a good choice for Mental Health Services despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Mental Health Services program at Virginia Peninsula Community College?
Beyond Virginia Peninsula Community College's classroom route, 5 registered apprenticeships map to Mental Health Services careers — including Behavioral Health Aide (Existing Title: Counselor). Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
What's the AI uncertainty for Mental Health Services careers?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Mental Health Services are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
What's the job market like for Mental Health Services from Virginia Peninsula Community College?
Job availability for Mental Health Services is strong — 200,600 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in VA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →