- 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 17,208 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is higher than the state community college average of 9:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 17,208 students
- In-state tuition: $2,664
- Out-state tuition: $8,808
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 97%
- 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
Diversity
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,735 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Central Piedmont Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates 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
1,735 staff
256 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Central Piedmont Community College has declined by 7% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has decreased from 11:1 over five years.
The Central Piedmont Community College diversity score of 0.71 is more than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
17,208 students
1,993 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
9:1
# Full-Time Students
6,468 students
644 students
# Part-Time Students
10,740 students
1,349 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
141 students
252 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
6,468 students
644 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
10,740 students
1,404 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
27 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
717 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
5%
3%
% Asian
26%
19%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
14%
13%
% White
3%
5%
% Hawaiian
44%
54%
% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
4%
1%
Diversity Score
0.71
0.65
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2197%
0.3863%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5387%
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
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
60%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$6,750
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,155
$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: 2023 (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.
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.
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.
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