The mission of McDowell Technical Community College to provide high-quality, comprehensive educational opportunities and services which fulfill the personal development, training and employment needs of the residents, businesses, and industries in McDowell County and surrounding areas. The College acknowledges and values cultural, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity and seeks to contribute to the maximum development of the individual and community through open door admissions and readily accessible and affordable programs. The college is dedicated to providing quality educational programs and services accessible to students on-campus, off-campus, or through distance learning. These educational programs and services are offered, within the limits of a available resources, regardless of disability or previous educational attainments.
School Highlights
McDowell Technical Community College serves 1,249 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 25% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
Enrollment: 1,249 students
In-state tuition: $1,776
Out-state tuition: $6,384
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Minority enrollment: 25%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Student Body
The student population of McDowell Technical Community College has grown by 19% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The McDowell Technical Community College diversity score of 0.42 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 31% over five years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,776 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,384 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Acceptance Rate
50%
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
School Mascot: Tigers
In 1964, McDowell Technical Community College was established as
the Marion-McDowell Industrial Education Center, located in
downtown Marion, N.C. near the corner of State Street and South
Garden Street. M-MIEC operated as a satellite unit of
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute until September, 1967. The
school moved to permanent facilities on a 31-acre site at the
intersection of Interstate 40 and Highway 226 in Marion in 1970.
Today, McDowell Technical Community College offers Associate
Degrees, Diplomas, and/or Certificates in more than 30 curriculum
programs. The College also offers classes in many areas of
Continuing Education. MTCC currently serves more than 6,800
students per year with some type of education and training. The
college offers a number of Occupational and Continuing Education
Services, including Teleconference Workshops, Computer Training,
and a variety of specialized programs designed to enhance an
individual's employability, to help him or her learn a new career,
to establish a pattern of growth and stability in business and
industry, and to help individuals stay abreast of trends in their
chosen field. McDowell Technical Community College is accredited by
the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does McDowell Technical Community College cost?
McDowell Technical Community College's tuition is approximately $1,776 for In-State students and $6,384 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of McDowell Technical Community College?
The acceptance rate of McDowell Technical Community College is 50%, which is lower than the state average of 75%.
What is McDowell Technical Community College's ranking?
McDowell Technical Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least expensive tuition.
Learn how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help community college students earn college credit for military service, work experience, certifications, and prior learning, reducing both the time and cost of earning a degree.
Discover how to evaluate whether your work schedule is compatible with community college before classes begin, and learn practical strategies that help working students stay on track toward graduation.
Learn how to identify community colleges that actively reduce stop-out risk through proactive advising, financial support, transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and student success services, helping you stay enrolled, complete your credential, and achieve your long-term educational goals.
Quick Facts (2026)
Enrollment: 1,249 students
In-state tuition: $1,776
Out-state tuition: $6,384
Acceptance Rate: 50%
Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Minority enrollment: 25%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
