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 6,443 students (26% 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 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
Enrollment: 6,443 students
In-state tuition: $2,560
Out-state tuition: $8,704
Student-teacher ratio: 28:1
Minority enrollment: 60%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,560 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,704 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition Notes
$76.00 per credit hour in-state, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
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.
For North Carolina public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,915 per year for in-state students and $9,508 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $19,438 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
