- Gaston College, located in Gaston and Lincoln Counties, is an open door, comprehensive, public community college that promotes lifelong learning and economic development through high quality educational programs and services.
School Highlights
Gaston College serves 5,345 students (23% 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 32% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 40%.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Enrollment: 5,345 students
- In-state tuition: $2,560
- Out-state tuition: $8,704
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 32%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Gaston College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 525 teachers has grown by 89% over five years.
Gaston 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
525 staff
256 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Gaston College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has decreased from 11:1 over five years.
The Gaston College diversity score of 0.52 is less than the state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,345 students
2,142 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
9:1

# Full-Time Students
1,230 students
693 students

# Part-Time Students
4,115 students
1,449 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
364 students
252 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,230 students
693 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
5 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,115 students
1,497 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
1 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
717 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%

% Asian
1%
3%

% Hispanic
7%
10%

% Black
9%
18%

% White
68%
60%

% Two or more races
3%
2%

% Non Resident races
2%
2%

% Unknown races
10%
4%


Diversity Score
0.52
0.59

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
33%
35%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.63%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$27,600
$27,500

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,560 is more than the state average of $2,531. The in-state tuition has declined by 5% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,704 is more than the state average of $8,245. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,560
$2,531

Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,704
$8,245

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
67%
81%

Median Debt for Graduates
$2,625
$8,546

Median Debt for Dropouts
$2,625
$4,500

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: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- Gaston College was granted a charter by the State of North Carolina in 1963 and began its first classes in temporary headquarters in September 1964. The college moved to its permanent campus on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gastonia two months later. Serving both Gaston and Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls over 5,000 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 16,000 students annually in its Continuing Education programs. Part of the North Carolina Community College System, Gaston College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. The twelve major buildings that comprise the Gaston College Dallas campus contain approximately 450,868 square feet and have an estimated current value of $41,385,862. There is an efficient road system and parking for more than 2,000 cars. College facilities (including a 480-seat auditorium) are available for public use and may be scheduled through the Office for Finance and Facilities. Gaston College is a commuter institution and does not have dormitories or housing for rent. The purpose of the Arts and Sciences Division of Gaston College is to provide quality instructional opportunities in college parallel programs for students who intend to transfer to senior institutions and to provide support of technical and occupational program curriculums. The division serves as a community resource and promotes academic articulation with public/private schools, business/industry, and senior institutions. The Liberal Arts and Sciences Division offers a wide range of courses. Among these are art, criminal justice, technology, early childhood education, English, foreign languages, humanities, mathematics, music, the natural sciences, paralegal technology, and the social sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gaston College cost?
Gaston College's tuition is approximately $2,560 for In-State students and $8,704 for Out-State students.
What is Gaston College's ranking?
Gaston College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
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