- The College`s mission is to help students achieve professional and personal goals by providing quality, accessible educational programs and services; to serve as an agent for economic development by responding to the educational and training needs of business and industry, and to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in Cleveland County by actively participating in collaborative community initiatives.
School Highlights
Cleveland Community College serves 3,741 students (38% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 3,741 students
- In-state tuition: $2,526
- Out-state tuition: $8,670
- Student:teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 36%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 251 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Cleveland Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
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
251 staff
256 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Cleveland Community College has grown by 47% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The Cleveland Community College diversity score of 0.54 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has grown by 14% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,741 students
2,542 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
1,423 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
2,318 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
374 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,423 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,318 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
6%
13%
% Black
21%
21%
% White
64%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
4%
5%
Diversity Score
0.54
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3396%
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)
$27,000
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,526 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 $8,670 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,526
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,670
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
90%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$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
- Cleveland Community College established in 1965 by and for the people of Cleveland County is a comprehensive, public two-year college and member institution of the North Carolina Community College System. Programs of study include college transfer Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees; Associate in Applied Science degrees; Associate in General Education degree; technical and vocational diplomas and certificates. Support services include academic advisement, developmental support, library/media services, and instructional technology. Cleveland Community College's transfer program includes many courses designed to prepare students for upper division study in such fields as business, education, engineering, dentistry, law, and medicine. Cleveland Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cleveland Community College cost?
Cleveland Community College's tuition is approximately $2,526 for In-State students and $8,670 for Out-State students.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Cleveland Community College is Gaston College (17.2 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
286 ICC Loop Road
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3636
Spindale, NC 28160
(828) 286-3636
24.1 miles
| 2,535 students
2550 Hwy 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-7000
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 327-7000
31.2 miles
| 5,758 students
107 Community College Drive
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 592-4500
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 592-4500
31.7 miles
| 8,353 students
1001 Burkemont Ave
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 448-3500
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 448-3500
32.6 miles
| 2,330 students
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.
