Western Piedmont Community College

1001 Burkemont Ave
Morganton, NC 28655
Top-Ranked (2026-27): View Rankings
  • Western Piedmont Community College is a public community college in Morganton, North Carolina. It was chartered on April 2, 1964, as a member of the North Carolina Community College System.

School Highlights

Western Piedmont Community College serves 1,813 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 1,813 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,417
  • Out-state tuition: $8,561
  • Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
  • Minority enrollment: 29%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Western Piedmont Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

The teacher population of 130 teachers has declined by 46% over five years.
Western Piedmont Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Campus Size
300 acres
Total Faculty
130 staff
129 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Western Piedmont Community College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The Western Piedmont Community College diversity score of 0.47 is less than the state average of 0.68. The school's diversity has grown by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,813 students
2,143 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
464 students
650 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
1,349 students
1,493 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
1,813 students
1,887 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
464 students
650 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,349 students
1,522 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
6%
3%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Hispanic
15%
14%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Black
6%
22%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
71%
50%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Diversity Score
0.47
0.68

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
40%
37%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,200
$27,500

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $2,417 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,561 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,417
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,561
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
80%
79%

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates
$4,671
$11,173
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,500
$5,846
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Western Piedmont Community College cost?
Western Piedmont Community College's tuition is approximately $2,417 for In-State students and $8,561 for Out-State students.
What schools are Western Piedmont Community College often compared to?
Western Piedmont Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute by visitors of our site.
What is Western Piedmont Community College's ranking?
Western Piedmont Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least debt for graduating students.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 1,813 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,417
  • Out-state tuition: $8,561
  • Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
  • Minority enrollment: 29%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

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.

The average community college acceptance rate in North Carolina is 73%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

North Carolina community colleges have a diversity score of 0.68, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in North Carolina is Durham Technical Community College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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