For the 2026-27 school year, there are 74 community colleges serving 252,135 students in North Carolina (60 public colleges and 14 private colleges).
The average tuition for community colleges in North Carolina 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 (view national tuition costs).
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.
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.
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.
SAT Total Avg.
986
SAT Reading
488
SAT Math
498
ACT Total Avg.
54
ACT Composite
20
ACT English
16
ACT Math
18
Frequently Asked Questions
How many community colleges are located in North Carolina?
There are 74 community colleges serving 252,135 students in North Carolina.
How much do community colleges cost in North Carolina?
The average tuition for community colleges in North Carolina 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.
What are the top-ranked community colleges in North Carolina?
What is the community college acceptance rate in North Carolina?
The average community college acceptance rate in North Carolina is 73% (compared to national acceptance rates).
What is the community college diversity score in North Carolina?
Community colleges in North Carolina have a diversity score of 0.68, which is lower than the national average of 0.74 (compared to national diversity statistics).
How diverse are community colleges in North Carolina?
Community colleges in North Carolina have approximately 50% minority enrollment, with the majority being Black.
Learn how to test whether a two-year community college degree can actually be completed in four semesters by checking prerequisites, course rotations, availability, sequencing, and hidden scheduling barriers.
Learn how to determine whether community college acceptance includes admission to your intended major, and evaluate selective programs, prerequisites, seat limits, deadlines, waitlists, and backup options before enrolling.
Build a realistic first-semester stress test before registration by checking course load, work hours, commuting, finances, family duties, study time, and support systems before your schedule becomes unmanageable later.
