- CarteretCommunity college will be a leader in improving the quality of life for all citizens of Carteret county and Eastern North Carolina by offering high -quality ,innovative education , training , enrichment and support to all who need and value these services.
School Highlights
Carteret Community College serves 2,135 students (32% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,135 students
- In-state tuition: $2,676
- Out-state tuition: $7,284
- Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
- Minority enrollment: 23%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Carteret Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 250 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Carteret Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
250 staff
256 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Carteret Community College has grown by 145% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has increased from 5:1 over five years.
The Carteret Community College diversity score of 0.39 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,135 students
2,542 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
675 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
1,460 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
213 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
675 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,460 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
1%
3%
% Hispanic
8%
13%
% Black
7%
21%
% White
77%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
5%
Diversity Score
0.39
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.352%
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)
$25,900
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,676 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $7,284 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,676
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,284
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
60%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,306
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,750
$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 Administrators
School Notes
- Founded in 1963, Carteret Community College is one of 59 institutions comprising the N.C. Community College System. Located in Morehead City, N.C., the college lies on the shores of the beautiful Bogue Sound -- part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. In the early years, the college offered a limited number of vocational technical courses such as marine diesel, small engine repair, air conditioning and heating, and electrical. Today, the college features a wide-range of educational, technical and vocational programs. With more than 100 courses to choose from, students can pursue programs leading to a certificate, diploma or associate degree. The courses of study include: Aquaculture, Basic Law Enforcement, Business Administration, Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Culinary Technology, Early Childhood Associate/Teacher Associate, Electrical/Electronics, Emergency Medical/Paramedic, Esthetics, Fine Arts, Firefighter Training, Information Systems, Interior Design, Internet Technologies, Healthcare Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Marine Propulsion, Office Systems Technology, Paralegal Technology, Photographic Technology, Therapeutic Massage, Therapeutic Recreation, Welding, and a wide range of Health Science programs. The college transfer curriculum is one of the most popular programs, and enables students to obtain an associate in arts or associate in science degree and transfer to a four-year institution. Additionally, the college offers a variety of Corporate and Community Education courses to provide general education opportunities for upgrading job skills, gaining certification, and satisfying personal interests. These courses are offered on a continual basis, and include: several pre-licensing courses, computer applications, desktop publishing, First Aid/CPR, emergency medical technician certification, and a variety of Basic Skills courses. Accredited by the Southern Association Colleges and Schools since 1974, the college has 130 full-time and 248 part-time employees who provide quality education, training and support. Using innovative means of instruction such as telecourses and Internet-based courses, the college is committed to creating an accessible positive learning environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Carteret Community College cost?
Carteret Community College's tuition is approximately $2,676 for In-State students and $7,284 for Out-State students.
What is Carteret Community College's ranking?
Carteret Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least expensive tuition.
Recent Articles
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
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.
What is a Community College?
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.
