Central Piedmont Community College

1201 Elizabeth Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28204
Top-Ranked (2026): View Rankings
  • Central Piedmont Community College is an innovative and comprehensive college that advances the life-long educational development of students consistent with their needs, interests, and abilities while strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of its diverse community.

School Highlights

Central Piedmont Community College serves 20,375 students (35% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 28:1 is higher than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 50%.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 20,375 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,664
  • Out-state tuition: $8,808
  • Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
  • Minority enrollment: 61%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Central Piedmont Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size

School Overview

The teacher population of 723 teachers has declined by 58% over five years.
Central Piedmont Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
723 staff
129 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Central Piedmont Community College has grown by 22% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 28:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Central Piedmont Community College diversity score of 0.73 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 5% over five years.
Total Enrollment
20,375 students
1,887 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
28:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
7,167 students
650 students
# Part-Time Students
13,208 students
1,493 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
20,375 students
1,887 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
7,167 students
650 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
13,208 students
1,522 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
6%
3%
% Hispanic
16%
14%
% Black
29%
22%
% White
39%
50%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
5%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
6%
Diversity Score
0.73
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
37%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$30,600
$27,500

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $2,664 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 $8,808 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,664
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,808
$9,508
Tuition Notes
$46,000 over two years
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
64%
79%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,750
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,155
$5,846
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • In 1963, Mecklenburg College and the Central Industrial Education Center were merged to establish Central Piedmont Community College, one the first of the 58 colleges in the NC Community College System. The substantial increase in the educational and training needs of the community since 1963 have required commensurate expansion of the College's instructional programs and facilities. In 1963, there were 23 degree and diploma programs; now there are more than 60, along with a comprehensive literacy program and an extensive array of corporate and continuing education offerings. In 1963, the College occupied the structures formerly used by Charlotte's Central High School. Recognizing that the Central Campus is experiencing maximum utilization, the College trustees in 1989 authorized the development of comprehensive campuses in other areas of Mecklenburg County to accommodate the ever increasing needs of the burgeoning Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. The College provides educational programs and services in Business, Community Service, Health, and Technology Programs; Transfer Programs; Queens Bound Program; Basic Skills Programs; Corporate and Continuing Education; Community Service and International Programs and Services. The college was fully accredited to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 1969 by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Kristina Levinskaia, Nursing '21 -

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Central Piedmont Community College cost?
Central Piedmont Community College's tuition is approximately $2,664 for In-State students and $8,808 for Out-State students.
Who are famous alumni from Central Piedmont Community College?
Central Piedmont Community College famous alumni include: Kristina Levinskaia, Nursing '21.
What is Central Piedmont Community College's ranking?
Central Piedmont Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Diversity in US community colleges, Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
In what neighborhood is Central Piedmont Community College located?
Central Piedmont Community College is located in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte, NC.

Recent Articles

Community Colleges and Careers in Climate Tech and Green Energy
Community Colleges and Careers in Climate Tech and Green Energy
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for careers in climate tech and green energy through specialized training and workforce programs.
Virtual Reality Training Programs in Community Colleges
Virtual Reality Training Programs in Community Colleges
Explore how virtual reality training programs in community colleges are preparing students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, and more.
Design-Your-Own Degree Programs at Community Colleges
Design-Your-Own Degree Programs at Community Colleges
Discover how design-your-own degree programs at community colleges help students create personalized pathways for transfer and career success.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 20,375 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,664
  • Out-state tuition: $8,808
  • Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
  • Minority enrollment: 61%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

Mecklenburg County, NC community colleges have a diversity score of 0.65, which is higher than the national average of 0.00. The most diverse community college in Mecklenburg County, NC is Central Piedmont Community College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links