Is Tidewater Tech-Trades worth it?
Tidewater Tech-Trades is a private for-profit, less-than-two-year institution in Norfolk, Virginia (midsize city), part of the Tidewater Tech system. It awarded 496 certificates in 2024, most often in welding technology; building maintenance; and heating, air conditioning.
Tidewater Tech-Trades is part of Tidewater Tech
Employer, job title and found-employed figures are reported for the whole system, not for this campus. Federal data on this page is for this campus only.
See Tidewater Tech, 2 campusesFederal data
Federal context for Tidewater Tech-Trades
Published by the federal government for federally aided students. It does not say which employers hire graduates.
Median earnings 1 year after
$31,807
Median earnings 4 years after
$42,699
Median earnings 10 years after
$31,657
Average net price
$26,366
Completion rate
71%
Completions (2024)
496
Years to pay back
2.5 years
Students (undergrad)
367
Median earnings after completing, by program
| Program | Credential | Median earnings, 1yr | Median earnings, 4yr | Graduates counted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working | Undergraduate certificate | $32,269 | $46,800 | 248 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Undergraduate certificate | $30,448 | $41,817 | 108 |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | Undergraduate certificate | $35,172 | $42,871 | 72 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Undergraduate certificate | $30,531 | $41,911 | 51 |
Source: College Scorecard, June 2026 release, and IPEDS. Earnings cover federally aided students only, so they do not cover every graduate.
Awards conferred, by program
| Program | Award level | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder | Certificate 12 weeks to 1 yr | 174 |
| Building/Property Maintenance | Certificate 12 weeks to 1 yr | 104 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician | Certificate 1-2 yrs | 100 |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician | Certificate 1-2 yrs | 75 |
| Welding Technology/Welder | Certificate 1-2 yrs | 43 |
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Sources: federal figures for Tidewater Tech-Trades. Federal figures from College Scorecard and IPEDS. Occupation pay from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS for Virginia. Counts under 10 are not published.
Updated September 18, 2026 · Methodology · Report a problem with this page