Best Community Colleges in North Carolina 2024

Badge for BEST IN NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGES

The best community colleges provide an effective springboard into higher education, offering students high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The top-rated community colleges in North Carolina offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

10 Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

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  1. Central Piedmont Community College
  2. Gaston College
  3. Wake Technical Community College
  4. Sandhills Community College
  5. Guilford Technical Community College
  6. Catawba Valley Community College
  7. Wayne Community College
  8. Wilkes Community College
  9. Cape Fear Community College
  10. Pitt Community College
  1. Louisburg College
  2. Central Piedmont Community College
  3. Wake Technical Community College
  4. Gaston College
  5. Sandhills Community College
  6. Guilford Technical Community College
  7. Wilkes Community College
  8. Wayne Community College
  9. Southwestern Community College
  10. Pitt Community College
  1. Louisburg College 82%
  1. Mitchell Community College 21 to 1
  2. Central Piedmont Community College 19 to 1
  3. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute 19 to 1
  4. Guilford Technical Community College 18 to 1
  5. Pitt Community College 18 to 1
  6. Wake Technical Community College 18 to 1
  7. Fayetteville Technical Community College 16 to 1
  8. Alamance Community College 14 to 1
  9. Cape Fear Community College 14 to 1
  10. Surry Community College 14 to 1
  1. Louisburg College $20,878
  2. Sandhills Community College $2,598
  3. Surry Community College $2,550
  4. Gaston College $2,432
  5. Mitchell Community College $2,432
  6. Piedmont Community College $2,432
  7. Cape Fear Community College $2,432
  8. Fayetteville Technical Community College $2,432
  9. Johnston Community College $2,432
  10. Central Piedmont Community College $2,432
    1. Surry Community College
    2. Southwestern Community College
    3. Central Carolina Community College
    4. Alamance Community College
    5. Isothermal Community College
    6. South Piedmont Community College
    7. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
    8. Mitchell Community College
    9. Piedmont Community College
    10. Lenoir Community College
    1. Surry Community College
    2. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
    3. Isothermal Community College
    4. Lenoir Community College
    5. South Piedmont Community College
    6. Mitchell Community College
    7. Johnston Community College
    8. Forsyth Technical Community College
    9. Alamance Community College
    10. Piedmont Community College
    1. Louisburg College 82%
    1. Wilkes Community College 8 to 1
    2. Southwestern Community College 10 to 1
    3. Johnston Community College 10 to 1
    4. Durham Technical Community College 10 to 1
    5. Gaston College 11 to 1
    6. Louisburg College 11 to 1
    7. Catawba Valley Community College 12 to 1
    8. Isothermal Community College 12 to 1
    9. Forsyth Technical Community College 12 to 1
    10. Wayne Community College 12 to 1
    1. Pitt Community College $1,824
    2. Isothermal Community College $1,824
    3. South Piedmont Community College $1,824
    4. Forsyth Technical Community College $1,992
    5. Durham Technical Community College $2,066
    6. Guilford Technical Community College $2,128
    7. Catawba Valley Community College $2,128
    8. Alamance Community College $2,280
    9. Southwestern Community College $2,392
    10. Gaston College $2,432

      Colleges and Universities in North Carolina

      Among these schools are over 60 public colleges and universities, including the state’s largest school, North Carolina State University, which serves almost 30,000 students. Tuition costs average about $9,000, just below the national average, and students also have the option to enroll in over 1,000 online courses. Another notable public school is the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is one of the country’s oldest universities.

      Find college admissions consultants in your state.

      The 25,000 students who attend UNC will walk the same halls as Francis Collins, Thomas Wolfe, and former president James K. Polk. North Carolina’s private schools have also made a name for themselves, including the well-known Duke University located in Durham. Here, students can earn degrees in some of the top programs, like nursing, political science, and business. Additionally, students can attend one of the many small schools which serve less than 5,000 students, like Campbell University in Buies Creek, or a religiously affiliated school, like Mid-Atlantic Christian University in Elizabeth City.

      From its coastal beaches to its lush forests, it’s no wonder the Wright Brothers dreamed of taking flight over North Carolina. This state is rich with history, scenic views, and famous people who once called it home, like John Coltrane and Nicholas Sparks. Students hoping to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree also have the option of choosing from over 100 schools in the Tar Heel State.

      Whether you prefer ocean views or wooded forests, North Carolina has something for everyone. Discover more about the state’s higher learning options.


      What are North Carolina’s Colleges & Universities?

      North Carolina’s Best Overall

      North Carolina's Best Community Colleges Badge
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      We’ve identified 48 community colleges in North Carolina. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in North Carolina.

      Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

      1. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        22%

        Student body

        23K

        Career Outlook for degree at Central Piedmont Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,792
        Starting Salary: $31,700
        What is Central Piedmont Community College known for?

        Central Piedmont Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Most Influential Alumni

      2. #2

        Gaston College

        Dallas , NC

        Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        39%

        Student body

        7K

        Career Outlook for degree at Gaston College

        Cost of Degree: $3,186
        Starting Salary: $28,900
        What is Gaston College known for?

        Gaston College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      3. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        42%

        Student body

        5K

        Career Outlook for degree at Sandhills Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,764
        Starting Salary: $28,300
        What is Sandhills Community College known for?

        Sandhills Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      4. Other Rankings

        Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        29%

        Student body

        15K

        Career Outlook for degree at Guilford Technical Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,319
        Starting Salary: $30,600
        What is Guilford Technical Community College known for?

        Guilford Technical Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      5. Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        37%

        Student body

        6K

        Career Outlook for degree at Catawba Valley Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,367
        Starting Salary: $30,700
        What is Catawba Valley Community College known for?

        Catawba Valley Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      6. #7

        Wayne Community College

        Goldsboro , NC

        Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        42%

        Student body

        4K

        Career Outlook for degree at Wayne Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,524
        Starting Salary: $30,200
        What is Wayne Community College known for?

        Wayne Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      7. #8

        Wilkes Community College

        Wilkesboro , NC

        Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        45%

        Student body

        3K

        Career Outlook for degree at Wilkes Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,572
        Starting Salary: $27,700
        What is Wilkes Community College known for?

        Wilkes Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      8. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        27%

        Student body

        17K

        Career Outlook for degree at Cape Fear Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,748
        Starting Salary: $31,600
        What is Cape Fear Community College known for?

        Cape Fear Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      9. #10

        Pitt Community College

        Winterville , NC
        Other Rankings

        Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        27%

        Student body

        10K

        Career Outlook for degree at Pitt Community College

        Cost of Degree: $1,940
        Starting Salary: $30,600
        What is Pitt Community College known for?

        Pitt Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Pitt Community College’s Online Degrees

        BA in Business Administration
        Degree Concentrations
        • Marketing
        • Human Resources Management
        • Required Credits: 68
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
      10. Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        26%

        Student body

        8K

        Career Outlook for degree at Durham Technical Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,229
        Starting Salary: $31,800
        What is Durham Technical Community College known for?

        Durham Technical Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Most Influential Alumni

      11. #12

        Louisburg College

        Louisburg , NC

        Tuition + fees

        $21K

        Acceptance

        82%

        Graduation

        73%

        Student body

        <1K

        Career Outlook for degree at Louisburg College

        Cost of Degree: $21,880
        Expenses: $15,120
        Starting Salary: $30,000
        Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
        Paid back at 15% of annual salary
        What is Louisburg College known for?

        Louisburg College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Most Influential Alumni

      12. #13

        Johnston Community College

        Smithfield , NC

        Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        43%

        Student body

        5K

        Career Outlook for degree at Johnston Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,657
        Starting Salary: $32,000
        What is Johnston Community College known for?

        Johnston Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Johnston Community College’s Online Degrees

        BA in Business Administration
        • Required Credits: 66-67
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
      13. Other Rankings

        Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        31%

        Student body

        10K

        Career Outlook for degree at Forsyth Technical Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,152
        Starting Salary: $30,000
        What is Forsyth Technical Community College known for?

        Forsyth Technical Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      14. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        27%

        Student body

        3K

        Career Outlook for degree at Lenoir Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,568
        Starting Salary: $29,400
        What is Lenoir Community College known for?

        Lenoir Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      15. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        39%

        Student body

        2K

        Career Outlook for degree at Piedmont Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,556
        Starting Salary: $29,200
        What is Piedmont Community College known for?

        Piedmont Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      16. #18

        Mitchell Community College

        Statesville , NC

        Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        34%

        Student body

        4K

        Career Outlook for degree at Mitchell Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,651
        Starting Salary: $27,700
        What is Mitchell Community College known for?

        Mitchell Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Most Influential Alumni

      17. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        36%

        Student body

        5K

        Career Outlook for degree at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

        Cost of Degree: $2,537
        Starting Salary: $29,700
        What is Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute known for?

        Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      18. Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        29%

        Student body

        4K

        Career Outlook for degree at South Piedmont Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,015
        Starting Salary: $28,000
        What is South Piedmont Community College known for?

        South Piedmont Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      19. Other Rankings

        Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        40%

        Student body

        3K

        Career Outlook for degree at Isothermal Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,030
        Starting Salary: $26,600
        What is Isothermal Community College known for?

        Isothermal Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      20. Tuition + fees

        $2K

        Graduation

        29%

        Student body

        5K

        Career Outlook for degree at Alamance Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,498
        Starting Salary: $28,600
        What is Alamance Community College known for?

        Alamance Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      21. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        35%

        Student body

        7K

        Career Outlook for degree at Central Carolina Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,554
        Starting Salary: $27,800
        What is Central Carolina Community College known for?

        Central Carolina Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      22. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        40%

        Student body

        3K

        Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,229
        Starting Salary: $27,800
        What is Southwestern Community College known for?

        Southwestern Community College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

      23. Tuition + fees

        $3K

        Graduation

        39%

        Student body

        4K

        Career Outlook for degree at Surry Community College

        Cost of Degree: $2,663
        Starting Salary: $29,900
        What is Surry Community College known for?

        Surry Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

        Surry Community College’s Online Degrees

        BS in Digital Media Technology
        Degree Concentrations
        • Graphic Design
        • Required Credits: 72
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BAS in Business Administration
        • Required Credits: 65
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BA in Accounting & Finance
        • Required Credits: 67
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BS in Office Administration
        • Required Credits: 67
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BS in Management Information Systems
        • Required Credits: 69
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BS in Information Technology
        • Required Credits: 71
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BS in Criminal Justice Technology
        • Required Credits: 69
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BS in Early Childhood Education
        • Required Credits: 41
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
        BS in Associate In Arts
        Degree Concentrations
        • Teacher Preparation
        • Required Credits: 60
        • Completion Time: None Reported
        • Format: Online
      2021 Ranking Archive

      Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

      1. Mitchell Community College
      2. Western Piedmont Community College
      3. Southwestern Community College
      4. Central Carolina Community College
      5. Nash Community College
      6. Durham Technical Community College
      7. Central Piedmont Community College
      8. Lenoir Community College
      9. Louisburg College
      10. Guilford Technical Community College
      11. Sandhills Community College
      12. Wilkes Community College
      13. Gaston College
      14. Catawba Valley Community College
      15. Wayne Community College
      16. Piedmont Community College
      17. Isothermal Community College
      18. Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College
      19. Johnston Community College
      20. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
      21. Forsyth Technical Community College
      22. Vance–Granville Community College
      23. Pitt Community College
      24. South Piedmont Community College
      25. Southeastern Community College
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