Mental Health Services at Tidewater Community College

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

with a mid-sized student body of 11,797 in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,509 place Tidewater Community College below the $36,448 national median for Mental Health Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 27.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% 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.

At $23,200 against $23,509/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #59 ranking among 61 Mental Health Services programs places Tidewater Community College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 27% earnings increase from $23,509 to $29,906 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

47 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
47
Score
48
High End
Earnings $23,509/yr (-35% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (70% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (200,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$313K
6.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
27.4x
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)
$11,428
Out-of-state: $23,434
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,200
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,906
27% 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

Explore what Mental Health Services graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 61 programs nationwide.

Read the full Mental Health Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Mental Health Services Overview

Mental Health Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tidewater Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Mental Health Services at Tidewater Community College?
A score of 47/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Mental Health Services. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Why are Mental Health Services earnings lower at Tidewater Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tidewater Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Mental Health Services through an apprenticeship instead of Tidewater Community College?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Mental Health Services occupations, such as Behavioral Health Aide (Existing Title: Counselor) and Certified Drug And Alcohol Counselor. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Mental Health Services graduates?
The very large job market (200,600 annual openings) works in favor of Mental Health Services graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →