- The primary mission and purpose of Durham Technical Community College are to provide postsecondary education that prepares students for careers in vocational and technical fields, the first two years of a baccalaureate degree to prepare students for professional careers, basic skills and general education programs that enable students to live productive lives, and skills development courses that meet workforce training needs of the residents and employers of Durham and Orange counties. The college seeks to inspire an active desire for lifelong learning and knowledge that will serve them well in the global workplace. Financially and geographically, Durham Tech provides an educational opportunity not otherwise available to area adults.
School Highlights
Durham Technical Community College serves 7,235 students (21% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 7,235 students
- In-state tuition: $2,039
- Out-state tuition: $7,577
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 70%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Durham Technical Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 610 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Durham Technical Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High 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
610 staff
256 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Durham Technical Community College has grown by 27% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Durham Technical Community College diversity score of 0.76 is more than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,235 students
2,579 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
1,499 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
5,736 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
723 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,499 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,736 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
5%
3%
% Hispanic
18%
13%
% Black
33%
21%
% White
30%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
5%
1%
% Unknown races
5%
5%
Diversity Score
0.76
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
24%
37%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,700
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,039 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 $7,577 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has grown by 15% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,039
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$7,577
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
88%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$15,091
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$8,487
$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
- Durham Technical Community College is a charter member of the North Carolina Community College System. When the North Carolina General Assembly authorized a small appropriation to establish a limited number of area schools to be known as industrial education centers in 1957, Durham already had a vigorous program in adult education through the Vocational and Adult Education Department of the Durham City Schools. A Practical Nursing program had been established in 1948; other programs included training in mechanical drafting, architectural drafting, and electronics technology. In addition, literacy skills training was offered for adults. Courses to upgrade the skills of workers were also offered in a variety of trades. Durham Tech offers at the main campus location on Lawson Street and Cooper Street, at the Northern Durham Center on Snow Hill Road, at the Orange County Campus Campus on College Park Road in Hillsborough, at the Orange County Skills Development Center on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, and at dozens of other locations throughout Durham and Orange counties. Durham Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate's degrees. The college is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges. The Dental Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association; the Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Committee for Occupational Therapy Education; the Opticianry program is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation; and the Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. The Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The Surgical Technology program holds provisional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The Nursing program is approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Practical Nursing (PN) programs have been approved for accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Durham Technical Community College cost?
Durham Technical Community College's tuition is approximately $2,039 for In-State students and $7,577 for Out-State students.
What schools are Durham Technical Community College often compared to?
Durham Technical Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Wake Technical Community College by visitors of our site.
What is Durham Technical Community College's ranking?
Durham Technical Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least expensive tuition, Diversity in US community colleges, Average community college minority breakdown and Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Debating Your Way to Career Success: The Hidden Benefits of Joining a Community College Debate Club
This article highlights three key reasons why joining a debate club in community college can significantly boost career prospects. It explores how debate activities enhance public speaking skills, critical thinking abilities, and networking opportunities, all of which are valuable assets in the job market.
Community Colleges Nationwide Joining in President Obamas Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
Learn about the number of colleges joining the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, which was introduced by the White House this past spring.
Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.
