- The mission of McDowell Technical Community College to provide high-quality, comprehensive educational opportunities and services which fulfill the personal development, training and employment needs of the residents, businesses, and industries in McDowell County and surrounding areas. The College acknowledges and values cultural, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity and seeks to contribute to the maximum development of the individual and community through open door admissions and readily accessible and affordable programs. The college is dedicated to providing quality educational programs and services accessible to students on-campus, off-campus, or through distance learning. These educational programs and services are offered, within the limits of a available resources, regardless of disability or previous educational attainments.
School Highlights
McDowell Technical Community College serves 1,135 students (24% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is same as the state community college average of 9:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 95%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 1,135 students
- In-state tuition: $1,776
- Out-state tuition: $6,384
- Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
- Minority enrollment: 98%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
McDowell Technical Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 126 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
McDowell Technical Community 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
126 staff
256 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of McDowell Technical Community College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The McDowell Technical Community College diversity score of 0.33 is less than the state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has grown by 23% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,135 students
1,993 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
9:1
# Full-Time Students
269 students
644 students
# Part-Time Students
866 students
1,349 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
634 students
252 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
269 students
644 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
10 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
866 students
1,404 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
27 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
717 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
3%
% Asian
4%
19%
% Hispanic
n/a
1%
% Black
10%
13%
% White
2%
5%
% Hawaiian
81%
54%
% Two or more races
1%
4%
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.33
0.65
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.473%
0.3863%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.5387%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$25,900
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,776 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,384 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,776
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,384
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
83%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,634
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$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: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- In 1964, McDowell Technical Community College was established as the Marion-McDowell Industrial Education Center, located in downtown Marion, N.C. near the corner of State Street and South Garden Street. M-MIEC operated as a satellite unit of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute until September, 1967. The school moved to permanent facilities on a 31-acre site at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Highway 226 in Marion in 1970. Today, McDowell Technical Community College offers Associate Degrees, Diplomas, and/or Certificates in more than 30 curriculum programs. The College also offers classes in many areas of Continuing Education. MTCC currently serves more than 6,800 students per year with some type of education and training. The college offers a number of Occupational and Continuing Education Services, including Teleconference Workshops, Computer Training, and a variety of specialized programs designed to enhance an individual's employability, to help him or her learn a new career, to establish a pattern of growth and stability in business and industry, and to help individuals stay abreast of trends in their chosen field. McDowell Technical Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does McDowell Technical Community College cost?
McDowell Technical Community College's tuition is approximately $1,776 for In-State students and $6,384 for Out-State students.
What is McDowell Technical Community College's ranking?
McDowell Technical Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least expensive tuition and Average community college minority breakdown.
Recent Articles
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.
Value of an Associates vs. Bachelors Degree
This comprehensive guide compares the value of associate's and bachelor's degrees, exploring factors such as program length, cost, earning potential, and career opportunities. It provides valuable insights for students deciding between these two educational paths, emphasizing the importance of aligning degree choice with personal and professional goals.
How to Earn Your GED and College Degree Simultaneously
This comprehensive guide explores how students can earn their GED and college degree simultaneously through community college programs. It discusses the economic benefits, admission requirements, and steps to enroll in such programs, providing valuable information for those seeking to advance their education and career prospects.