- Isothermal Community College exists to improve life through learning. Isothermal Community College is an institution committed to the journey charted by the concept of the Learning-Centered College.
School Highlights
Isothermal Community College serves 2,535 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 27% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,535 students
- In-state tuition: $2,358
- Out-state tuition: $8,502
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 27%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Isothermal Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 247 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Isothermal Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-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
247 staff
256 staff
Number of Programs Offered
40
68
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Isothermal Community College has grown by 21% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Isothermal Community College diversity score of 0.45 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,535 students
2,542 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
757 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
1,778 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
253 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
757 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,778 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
9%
13%
% Black
10%
21%
% White
73%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
3%
5%
Diversity Score
0.45
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.53%
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)
$27,200
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,358 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has grown by 18% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,502 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has grown by 28% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,358
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,502
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,000
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,000
$6,000
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
- Isothermal Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a comprehensive, two-year, public institution that serves the individuals in Rutherford and Polk Counties. The College offers individual courses and certificate, diploma and degree programs that enable students to transfer to four-year institutions or to acquire skills for new or continued employment, as well as to function effectively as citizens in our society. In addition, the College provides training for area business and industry, personal enrichment courses, remedial and developmental courses and community service activities. Programs of study fall into two major categories: college transfer and career preparation. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degree Programs are designed primarily for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university. The Associate of Applied Science Degree, Diploma, and Certificate Programs are designed for career preparation. Some Associate of Applied Science Degree Programs are also transferable to four-year colleges and universities. Isothermal 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 Isothermal Community College cost?
Isothermal Community College's tuition is approximately $2,358 for In-State students and $8,502 for Out-State students.
What is Isothermal Community College's ranking?
Isothermal Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Percent of students receiving financial aid and Highest completion rates.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Isothermal Community College is McDowell Technical Community College (22.1 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
54 College Drive
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-6021
Marion, NC 28752
(828) 652-6021
22.1 miles
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137 S Post Rd
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 669-4081
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 669-4081
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Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 592-4500
Spartanburg, SC 29303
(864) 592-4500
24.7 miles
| 8,353 students
Spartanburg Methodist College
Private not-for-profit
1750 Powell Mill Road
Spartanburg, SC 29301
(864) 587-4000
Spartanburg, SC 29301
(864) 587-4000
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180 West Campus Drive
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 694-1700
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 694-1700
28.9 miles
| 3,991 students
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