Tidewater Tech

Request Info

Tidewater Tech is a private trade school in Norfolk, Virginia, founded in 1969. It offers 5 training programs, with listed tuition of $16,337. The school reports a 71% graduation rate and 80% job placement. It is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Accredited

Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Open

Enrollment

$16,337

Avg. Tuition

367

Total Students

Urban

Norfolk, VA

Founded 1969

Small urban campus

About Tidewater Tech

Tidewater Tech is a Norfolk, Virginia trade school whose roots trace to 1969, operating two campuses — the main campus at 4535 E. Princess Anne Road and a branch at 2331 E. Little Creek Road. The school has been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education since 1988 and is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Full-time students can complete combination welding or building and construction trades in 33 weeks, with HVAC, auto technician, and combination maritime welding programs running about 48 weeks. Welding students train at the school's AWS Accredited Testing Facility — one of only four approved facilities in Virginia — and can earn FCAW, GTAW, and SMAW certifications plus OSHA 10, while the HVAC program includes EPA Section 608 certification, the Industrial Competency Exam, and preparation toward Virginia DPOR journeyman certification. Tuition and fees were $16,337 for 2024-25, and the school reports a 71% graduation rate for the fall 2021 cohort.

Programs Offered

Combination Welding

Diploma

Duration: 33 weeks
Tuition: $17,400

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Diploma

Duration: 48 weeks
Tuition: $21,000

Auto Technician

Diploma

Duration: 48 weeks
Tuition: $21,000

Building and Construction Trades

Diploma

Duration: 33 weeks
Tuition: $21,000

Combination Maritime Welding

Diploma

Duration: 48 weeks
Tuition: $26,100

Learning Format

Student-to-Instructor Ratio
15:1
Hands-On Training
70%
Start Dates
Frequent monthly starts
Externship
Included

Schedule Options

Day Classes Evening Classes Online Available Hybrid Available

Admissions

Open

Enrollment

18+

Minimum Age

$25

Application Fee

Admission Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Personal interview
  • Online application

Cost & Financial Aid

Average Tuition $16,337
Books & Supplies $695
Equipment Fees $500
Estimated Total $17,532

Financial Aid Options

Financial Aid Available GI Bill Accepted WIA Approved Payment Plans

Available Scholarships

  • Scholarship Match Program
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • FSEOG

Graduate Outcomes

71%

Graduation Rate

80%

Job Placement Rate

N/A

Licensure Pass Rate

Salary Information

$37,641

Average Starting Salary

Top Employers

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.Chesapeake Bay Steel, Inc.Marine Hydraulics International, Inc.Coastal Automotive, Inc.

Student Services

Job Placement Assistance Career Services Tutoring Available

Tidewater Tech: Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Tidewater Tech cost?

Listed tuition at Tidewater Tech is $16,337. A $25 application fee applies. Financial aid is available for eligible students. Contact the school to confirm current pricing and what's included.

What programs does Tidewater Tech offer?

Tidewater Tech offers 5 programs: Combination Welding (33 weeks), Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (48 weeks), Auto Technician (48 weeks), Building and Construction Trades (33 weeks), Combination Maritime Welding (48 weeks).

Is Tidewater Tech accredited?

Yes — Tidewater Tech is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

How do I enroll at Tidewater Tech?

Tidewater Tech has an open enrollment policy. Applicants typically need: High school diploma or GED; Personal interview; Online application. The minimum age is 18.

Does Tidewater Tech offer evening or weekend classes?

Yes — Tidewater Tech offers day, evening classes. Online options are also available.

Student Reviews

No Reviews Yet

Be the first to share your experience at Tidewater Tech!

Have you attended this school? Your review helps other students make informed decisions about their education.