10 Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

Key Takeaways

• North Carolina has the third-largest community college system in the U.S., with 58 colleges across all 100 counties.
• In-state tuition is very affordable, typically ranging from $2,500 to $3,500 per year.
• You can transfer seamlessly to UNC System universities through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
• Specialized programs in biotech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and IT are closely aligned with local job markets.
• Many colleges offer customized workforce training and student support tailored to local industries.

Why You Should Consider Community Colleges in North Carolina

If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable way to start college in North Carolina, the state’s community college system is one of the best in the country. With 58 institutions spread across all 100 counties, it’s built to meet the needs of students from every background, whether you’re in a major city or a rural town.

North Carolina’s community colleges are known for their dual focus on career training and university transfer. Through the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement, you can start your education here and transfer seamlessly into any public university in the UNC System. That means you get a head start without the high cost.

You’ll also find career programs that match the state’s fastest-growing industries, like biotech, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. Many colleges work directly with local employers to offer custom workforce training and internships that give you hands-on experience before you even graduate.

With some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, modern facilities, and innovative initiatives like the NC Career Coach program, North Carolina’s community colleges give you the tools to build a better future without taking on unnecessary debt.

10 Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina’s community college system combines affordability, regional access, and specialized programs tailored to meet the demands of a fast-evolving economy. Whether you’re looking for technical training, a university transfer path, or a unique program tied to local industry, these ten standout schools offer strong value and educational quality across the state.

Wayne Community College

Located in Goldsboro, Wayne Community College provides top-tier technical and academic programs at an affordable $3,590 per year, making it one of the best values in eastern North Carolina.

Main Courses

WCC offers strong programs in aviation systems technology, automotive systems, allied health, and agribusiness technology, supported by hands-on training facilities.

Pros

• Extensive technical training facilities
• Close partnerships with Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
• Very affordable tuition for the region

Cons

• Fewer cultural and entertainment amenities in the area compared to urban campuses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$3,590 – Offers excellent value with strong technical education in eastern North Carolina.

Stanly Community College

Serving the Charlotte region, Stanly Community College focuses on both university transfer and high-demand technical programs, with tuition at $5,010 per year.

Main Courses

SCC stands out in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, criminal justice, and heavy equipment operations, combining practical skills with academic rigor.

Pros

• Modern technical facilities
• Small class sizes and individualized instruction
• Strategic location near Charlotte’s job market

Cons

• Fewer student activities and clubs than on larger campuses

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,010 – Affordable access to technical programs in a growing metro region.

Forsyth Technical Community College

Located in Winston-Salem, Forsyth Tech delivers innovative career and transfer programs at $5,140 per year, across multiple campus locations.

Main Courses

This college leads in biotechnology, healthcare, IT, and advanced manufacturing, and has strong ties to the city’s Innovation Quarter and tech employers.

Pros

• Location in a regional innovation hub
• Strong employer partnerships in biotech and IT
• Expansive technical and healthcare facilities

Cons

• A multi-campus layout can require commuting between class locations

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,140 – A smart investment for access to North Carolina’s growing innovation economy.

Craven Community College

With campuses in New Bern and Havelock, Craven Community College serves the coastal region at $5,420 per year, offering both transfer degrees and targeted workforce programs.

Main Courses

CCC offers aviation management, healthcare, manufacturing technology, and strong support for military families stationed at nearby Cherry Point.

Pros

• Beautiful New Bern campus
• Strong ties to the military and aerospace sectors
• Abundant scholarship opportunities

Cons

• Distance from large urban centers may limit some employment options

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,420 – Great value for students in Coastal Carolina, especially those connected to the military.

Nash Community College

Located in Rocky Mount, Nash Community College combines unique technical offerings with modern campus facilities at $5,780 per year.

Main Courses

NCC specializes in electric line construction, veterinary medical technology, culinary arts, and healthcare programs, with cutting-edge labs and kitchens.

Pros

• Modern campus and equipment
• Unique technical programs not widely offered elsewhere
• Strong community support and engagement

Cons

• Fewer large employers in the immediate area
• Less access to urban amenities

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$5,780 – Competitive tuition for hands-on training in in-demand fields.

Southwestern Community College

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Southwestern Community College offers distinctive programs tied to the region’s outdoor economy and cultural heritage, with tuition at $7,130 per year.

Main Courses

Programs include outdoor leadership, health sciences, heritage arts, and a nationally recognized National Park Service training program.

Pros

• Stunning mountain setting
• Small class sizes and personalized instruction
• Unique programs tied to the outdoor recreation industry

Cons

• Remote location can make winter travel and job access challenging

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,130 – Worth the cost for specialized programs in a scenic, natural environment.

Davidson-Davie Community College

Serving the central Piedmont region, Davidson-Davie Community College offers specialized training and transfer programs across campuses in Lexington and Mocksville for $7,190 per year.

Main Courses

Standout programs include zoo and aquarium science, automotive systems, healthcare, and manufacturing, all of which have modern, industry-grade facilities.

Pros

• Unique zoo and aquarium science program
• Central location between Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte
• Strong partnerships with local industries

Cons

• Higher tuition compared to most community colleges in the state

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,190 – Offers rare program opportunities with access to central North Carolina’s job markets.

Western Piedmont Community College

Located in Morganton, Western Piedmont Community College offers scenic surroundings and technical programs in key regional industries, with tuition at $7,420 per year.

Main Courses

Strong offerings in mechanical engineering technology, healthcare, brewing and distillation, and digital arts, all delivered on a scenic campus.

Pros

• Beautiful location at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Unique mechatronics and brewing programs
• Small, supportive campus environment

Cons

• Limited job and cultural opportunities in a small-city setting

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$7,420 – Excellent choice for students seeking hands-on training in a peaceful setting.

Randolph Community College

Located in Asheboro, Randolph Community College is home to one of the country’s top photographic technology programs, with tuition at $8,460 per year.

Main Courses

Specialized programs include commercial photography, interior design, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Pros

• Nationally recognized photography program
• Access to the North Carolina Zoo and related partnerships
• Strong technical training and modern facilities

Cons

• Significantly higher tuition compared to other colleges in the system

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$8,460 – Premium price, but justified by niche program quality and unique academic strengths.

Blue Ridge Community College

Serving the western mountains, Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock offers innovative programs in agriculture, brewing, and emergency services for $9,340 per year.

Main Courses

Top offerings include brewing and fermentation science, horticulture, film production, and emergency medical services, supported by the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast.

Pros

• Unique focus on the craft beverage industry
• Beautiful mountain campus
• Strong ties to Asheville’s vibrant hospitality and arts economy

Cons

• Highest tuition in the system
• Rural location may limit public transportation and employment access

Average Annual In-State Tuition

$9,340 – Offers unmatched access to niche industries, though at the highest cost in the state.

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

North Carolina’s community colleges are designed to be accessible, but there are a few key steps you’ll need to complete before registering. These requirements help ensure you’re placed in the right courses and qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid.

High School Credential Documentation

You’ll need to provide proof of high school completion; either a diploma or an equivalency credential like a GED. Thanks to North Carolina’s open-door admissions policy, students still in high school can also take advantage of dual enrollment through the Career and College Promise program.

North Carolina Application

Most colleges allow you to apply directly through their website or via the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) portal. Application fees are typically under $20 and can often be waived if you demonstrate financial need.

Placement Assessment Scores

Instead of relying solely on test scores, North Carolina colleges use multiple measures for placement. Your high school GPA, ACT or SAT scores, or RISE placement test results help determine your readiness for gateway English and math courses.

Residency Status Verification

Proving you’re a North Carolina resident can dramatically reduce your tuition by up to two-thirds. This step is handled through the state’s centralized Residency Determination Service (RDS), which requires proof that you’ve lived in North Carolina for at least 12 months.

Financial Aid Submission

To access financial aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA. North Carolina offers generous state aid, including the Longleaf Commitment Grant for recent high school graduates, as well as institutional scholarships and grants with priority deadlines typically in early spring.

How Do North Carolina Community College Costs Compare to National Averages?

North Carolina community colleges consistently rank among the most affordable in the U.S., with in-state tuition averaging just $2,500 to $3,500 per year, well below the national average of around $5,000. That alone makes them an attractive option if you’re looking to start your higher education without going into debt.

But the value doesn’t stop at low tuition. North Carolina also offers robust financial aid programs like the Longleaf Commitment Grant, which covers tuition for many recent high school graduates. Plus, the cost of living is relatively low compared to regions like the Northeast or West Coast, which helps stretch your education dollars even further.

Whether you’re planning to transfer to a UNC System university or enter the workforce right away, you’ll benefit from high-quality instruction, modern facilities, and strong support services—all at a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Community Colleges in North Carolina?

If you’re an international student, tuition at North Carolina community colleges typically ranges from $8,000 to $10,000 per year. While that’s higher than what in-state students pay, it’s still much more affordable than attending a public university in the U.S., where international tuition often exceeds $25,000 annually.

Although international students aren’t eligible for state financial aid, many colleges offer scholarships specifically for international applicants, along with campus employment opportunities and diversity grants. However, it’s important to consider additional costs such as SEVIS fees, mandatory health insurance (usually $1,500–$2,000 per year), and housing.

North Carolina’s community colleges are located in a mix of urban and rural areas, so your total living expenses will vary depending on location. But overall, they offer a cost-effective way to earn an American education with smaller class sizes and personalized support.

How Does University of the People Compare With the Best Community Colleges in North Carolina?

If affordability and flexibility are top priorities, the University of the People offers a very different yet compelling alternative to North Carolina’s community colleges. While even the most affordable in-state colleges charge $2,500 to $3,500 per year, UoPeople eliminates tuition entirely. Instead, you pay modest assessment fees per course: $160 for undergraduate degrees, $400 for the M.Ed., and $450 for MBA and MSIT programs.

UoPeople also offers complete flexibility. All courses are 100% online and asynchronous, so you can study from anywhere and fit your education around work or family commitments. That’s ideal if you need more control over your schedule than traditional campuses can offer.

That said, North Carolina’s community colleges hold regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC), which may be more universally recognized, especially if you plan to transfer to a UNC System university. UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and WASC, which is widely respected but considered national accreditation.

Ready to Choose the Best Community College?

Choosing the right community college in North Carolina depends on more than just cost. You’ll want to consider which schools specialize in your field of interest, how close they are to home, and whether you plan to transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce directly.

Thanks to the state’s Comprehensive Articulation Agreement, you can transfer seamlessly to a UNC System university after completing an associate degree. And with strong programs in fields like biotechnology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, many schools also offer direct pipelines to well-paying jobs.

Take your time exploring program offerings, campus environments, and scholarship opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to the mountains, the coast, or somewhere in between, there’s a North Carolina community college that fits your goals and your budget.

FAQs

What Is the Cheapest Community College in North Carolina?

Wayne Community College is one of the most affordable options, with in-state tuition of just $3,590 per year.

How Do North Carolina Community Colleges Compare to State Universities?

They offer smaller class sizes, lower tuition, and easier access. You can complete general education requirements affordably, then transfer to a UNC System university through guaranteed pathways.

Can High School Students Attend North Carolina Community Colleges?

Yes. Through the Career and College Promise program, eligible high school students can take college-level courses for free.

What Financial Aid Is Available at North Carolina Community Colleges?

You can apply for the FAFSA to access federal aid, the Longleaf Commitment Grant, state grants, institutional scholarships, and sometimes campus jobs.

Which North Carolina Community Colleges Have the Highest Graduation Rates?

Graduation rates vary by institution, but schools like Davidson-Davie Community College and Forsyth Tech are known for strong student outcomes.

Are North Carolina Community Colleges Open to International Students?

Yes, most accept international students. While you won’t qualify for state aid, many offer international scholarships and on-campus job opportunities to help offset costs.