The College was founded by the Atlantis Group, Inc., in 1983 and then purchased by Career Futures, Inc., in 1989. The College opened its first branch campus in Birmingham, Alabama, in February 1992, and this became the main campus in 1995. In April 1993, the College opened its second branch campus in Huntsville, Alabama. Education Corporation of America acquired Virginia College in mid 1999. The College opened its third branch campus in Jackson, Mississippi, in January 2000. Medical Career Centers in Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, became part of the Virginia College family in July 2001. A fourth branch campus was opened in Austin, Texas, in January 2002. Virginia College also operates Virginia College Online, providing education s to students from all over the world the possibility of taking classes online, in the traditional classroom, or in a combination of both.

The College programs develop the student's ability to enter or advance in a chosen career. The curriculum provides a balance of general academics, technical skills and personal growth and enhances student's learning experience and placement opportunities .

Virginia College’s goal is in its responsibility to its students, the technical and business communities, and the general citizenry. The College curricula involves business, business-related, administrative, management, technical and professional programs that are designed to prepare the student for direct entry into the job market.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify and career placement and job assistance continues past graduation.

Virginia College at Birmingham provides a lot of study programs  that vary in both diplomas and associate degrees in such diverse fields as office or business management, computer technologies, health & medical, criminal justice, and interior design. The Virginia College at Birmingham campus also offers Bachelor's degrees in several fields such as business or office management, interior design, or criminal justice and a masters degree (MBA) in Business Adminstration.