- The mission of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is to provide accessible, quality instruction; support economic development through comprehensive resources to business, industry, and agencies and offer diverse services and opportunities which improve the quality of life.
School Highlights
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute serves 3,914 students (34% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 3,914 students
- In-state tuition: $2,380
- Out-state tuition: $8,524
- Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
- Minority enrollment: 24%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 198 teachers has declined by 49% over five years.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
198 staff
129 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
51
Student Body
The student population of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute diversity score of 0.41 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 42% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,914 students
2,143 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
1,316 students
650 students
# Part-Time Students
2,598 students
1,493 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
249 students
300 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,316 students
650 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
50 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,598 students
1,517 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
7 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
719 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
10%
14%
% Black
5%
22%
% White
76%
50%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
6%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
40%
37%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,300
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,380 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 6% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,524 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,380
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,524
$9,508
Tuition Notes
$4,020.00 per year for 15 credit hours
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
66%
79%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,875
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,625
$5,846
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
SAT Reading
n/a
488
SAT Math
n/a
498
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
16
ACT Math
n/a
18
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cobras
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is a public, comprehensive post-secondary institution whose primary service area is Caldwell and Watauga counties. Operating under the legal framework of the State of North Carolina and in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System, CCC and TI is an open door institution which values the diversity of its constituencies and offers equal opportunities. In 1964, the college first opened its doors as Caldwell Technical Institute with the employment of Dr. H. Edwin Beam as its first president. Health occupations courses were offered in 1965 with the college's first facilities occupied in 1967. Three years later, the institution's name was changed to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute as the college transfer program was implemented. Appointed president in 1984, Dr. Eric B. McKeithan was instrumental in further growth of the college as the Watauga Campus opened in 1987. The Job Training Center and Broyhill Civic Center were added to the Caldwell Campus a few years later. Today CCC&TI offers over 100 curriculum programs and a variety of continuing education options. Celebrating more than 40 years of service, the college continues to make strides as the educational leader of the community. The faculty and staff of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute are committed to providing an environment conducive to student success through institutional integrity, ethical practices, and an expectation of excellence. The institution provides leadership during social, economic, and cultural transitions through teaching, promoting lifelong learning, improving the quality of life, and fostering academic and civic enrichment. We are dedicated to educating a workforce prepared for a rapidly changing global economy. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. Diploma, Associate in Applied Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Fine Arts and Associate in Science programs have been approved by the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges and the State Board of Community Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute cost?
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's tuition is approximately $2,380 for In-State students and $8,524 for Out-State students.
What is Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute's ranking?
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles
Community College Housing Options for Students
Explore community college housing options in 2026, including apartments, dorms, homestays, and commuter strategies for students.
How Community Colleges Prepare Students for AI Careers
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for AI and technology careers through workforce training, certifications, and employer partnerships.
Community Colleges: A to Z Guide for 2026
Explore the complete 2026 A to Z guide to community colleges, including costs, transfer pathways, online learning, and career programs.
