A-B Tech, the community's College, is dedicated to student success. As a comprehensive community College, A-B Tech is committed to providing accessible, quality educational opportunities for lifelong learning to meet the diverse and changing needs of our community.
School Highlights
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College serves 9,275 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 9,275 students
In-state tuition: $2,033
Out-state tuition: $7,396
Student:teacher ratio: 14:1
Minority enrollment: 28%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College has grown by 32% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has grown by 13% over five years.
Total Enrollment
9,275 students
2,542 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
2,082 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
7,193 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
927 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,082 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
7,193 students
1,990 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
3 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
717 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
2%
3%
% Hispanic
13%
13%
% Black
6%
21%
% White
72%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
3%
5%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3133%
0.3684%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$31,400
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,033 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,396 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has declined by 15% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,033
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,396
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
64%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$15,520
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$5,846
Acceptance Rate
n/a
82%
SAT Reading
n/a
488
SAT Math
n/a
498
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
13
ACT Math
n/a
16
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College has served as the
community's premier technical educator for many years. Originally
funded by a bond election, the institution was established Sept. 1,
1959, and named the Asheville Industrial Education Center.
Following legislation creating the North Carolina System of
Community Colleges that was enacted in 1963 by the General
Assembly, the name was changed on Jan. 27, 1964, to
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute. This legislation enabled
the College to confer the Associate in Applied Science degree for
the first time at graduation ceremonies in August 1964. The College
offers the Associate in Arts, the Associate in Science, and the
Associate in Applied Science degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
The Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs are
offered in the Division of Arts and Sciences. All career curricula
and courses are offered through three divisions: Allied Health and
Public Service Education, Business and Hospitality Education, and
Engineering and Applied Technology. In addition, noncredit
academic, avocational, practical skills, and occupational classes
and activities are offered through the Continuing Education
Division. Continuing Education courses includes Adult Basic
Education, Human Resources Development, New and Expanding Industry
Training, Small Business Center, Total Quality Management, and
Focused Industrial. More than 25,000 students are enrolled in
curriculum and continuing education courses, giving us the largest
headcount of any college or university in Western North Carolina.
Yet despite our size, we offer small classes, averaging 16 students
per instructor in our two-year degree and one-year diploma
programs. The main campus is located off Victoria Road in
Asheville, North Carolina, a city repeatedly named as one of the
most livable towns in America. The Madison Campus is located in
Marshall, NC. The Enka Campus is located in the Enka community near
Asheville, NC.
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 9,275 students
In-state tuition: $2,033
Out-state tuition: $7,396
Student:teacher ratio: 14:1
Minority enrollment: 28%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For North Carolina public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,915 per year for in-state students and $9,508 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $19,438 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
North Carolina community colleges have a diversity score of 0.66, which is higher than the national average of 0.00. The most diverse community college in North Carolina is Gaston College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.
