Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

Through its Career and College Promise program, Randolph Community College offers free tuition to high school juniors and seniors in North Carolina. To participate, you must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 during high school and demonstrate college readiness by taking an exam like the ACT, SAT, or PSAT. High school students can also receive paid, on-the-job training through the college's apprenticeship program.

Adult learners can major in subjects such as human resource management, interior design, manufacturing technology, and photojournalism. Through online and hybrid courses, students can also continue their education without needing to commute to campus on a daily basis.

Applicants to this community college in North Carolina must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Prospective students must also take the North Carolina Diagnostic Assessment and Placement test, though this requirement is waived if certain academic benchmarks -- such as a minimum 3.0 high school GPA -- have been met.

At Brunswick Community College, students can earn a fully online associate of arts degree, allowing them to easily transfer up to 60 credits into a bachelor's program in a field like education, business, or law enforcement. The college also offers an entirely online associate degree in early childhood education, as well as online diplomas and certificates in subjects like aquaculture technology and infant toddler care.

Students taking classes on the Supply, Southport, or Leland campus can explore topics like engineering, health and fitness science, and computer programming and development. BCC also helps learners improve their English language skills, prepare for emergency services exams and training academies, and learn about business topics like social media advertising.

To apply to BCC, you must hold a high school diploma or an equivalent credential. Incoming students that qualify for the Brunswick Guarantee receive free tuition and up to $750 per semester for books and other required course materials.

With a 175-acre main campus and three additional learning centers, Johnston Community College is noted for its "Career in a Year" initiative, which provides more than 70 certificate and diploma programs that prepare students for jobs in biotechnology, building and construction, machining and maintenance, and paralegal work. The college also offers a transfer pathway that enables students to earn an associate degree as a first step toward a bachelor's from a four-year state institution.

In addition to substantial discounts for North Carolina residents, JCC offers more than 250 scholarships to improve the affordability and accessibility of its degree and certificate programs.

JCC requires applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Learners may also need to take a placement exam, though the college waives this requirement for students who maintained a high school GPA of 2.6 or better.

While many students at Carteret Community College get to enjoy the beauty of the school's shoreside campus, about half of the college's enrollees take online classes that allow learners at any location to earn academic credit.

CCC hosts four associate programs that target students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. Those who want to start a career directly after graduation can study subjects such as hospitality management, emergency medical science, therapeutic massage, and marine propulsion systems. Community education programs also serve English language learners and adults seeking a high school equivalency credential.

This community college in North Carolina does not require incoming students to have a high school diploma or GED, although applicants typically take a placement exam to determine if they have the reading, writing, and math skills needed to succeed in a college program.

The Global Distinction Program at Isothermal Community College equips students with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Through a partnership with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, students in this program take globally oriented courses, participate in international activities and dialogues, study abroad, and complete a capstone project.

While this program generally caters to students who hope to continue their education at a four-year school, Isothermal also offers career preparation tracks in subjects like auto collision repair and refinishing technology, cosmetology, and small business entrepreneurship. Online associate degrees are also available in agribusiness, criminal justice, and web administration and design.

Isothermal requires all degree-seeking students to hold a high school diploma or an equivalent credential. Applicants with a high school GPA of 2.5 or lower must also take a placement exam.

With three campuses and fully online programs in information technology, medical office administration, and supply chain management, Gaston College provides flexibility to busy students. The college also allows some working professionals to earn college credit based on their current work experience.

Students also enjoy many options when choosing a program of study. Degrees, certificates, and diplomas are available in fields like advanced manufacturing, business and information technology, and health and human services.

To support the local community, the college maintains the GC Promise program. This covers all tuition and fees for high school graduates in Gaston and Lincoln counties. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 in high school and 3.0 during their community college studies.

All students must apply online, submit official high school transcripts, and complete an online orientation.

One of the first community colleges in North Carolina, Alamance Community College strives to make education affordable. For example, the school's Foundation Scholarship pays for all tuition expenses and fees not already covered by state or federal financial aid. Additionally, the ACC Retention Scholarship covers the cost of two courses in an associate program.

Students at ACC receive high-quality instruction in subjects like business marketing, dental assisting, and computer-aided drafting. The college also offers fully online associate degrees in general education and fire science, as well as 10 online certificates in areas like financial accounting, childcare, and web design.

To apply to ACC, students must submit an online application and take a placement exam or submit results from the ACT or SAT. All incoming students must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Piedmont Community College aims to create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for students who study online and for those attending classes at one of the college's two campuses. All learners have access to drop-in tutoring, research consultations, 24/7 technical assistance, writing support, and free test proctoring services. Students can also take advantage of mental health and career counseling, online enrollment and academic advising, and a childcare and development center.

Programs of study at the college include small business administration, electrical power production technology, database management, and public safety administration. In addition, the Person Early College for Innovation and Leadership program specifically serves first-generation college students, allowing participants to earn a high school diploma and associate of science degree without needing to pay tuition.

To seek an associate degree at PCC, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Certificate and diploma programs are open to any student 18 years of age or older.

As one of the oldest community colleges in North Carolina, Halifax Community College has served the educational needs of Halifax and Northampton counties for more than 50 years. Students at the college can pursue degrees, diplomas, and certificates in subjects such as dental hygiene, nursing, office administration, and welding. Many courses are also available in an online or hybrid format.

HCC operates on an open-door admission policy, admitting all students who are either 18 years of age or have a high school diploma. Incoming students must take a placement exam, though the college waives this requirement for applicants who submit official college transcripts or SAT or ACT results.

To supplement state and federal financial aid, HCC provides a variety of scholarships to its students. For example, the Damian S. Hawkins Memorial Scholarship provides up to $1,000 in aid to students who major in human services technology or plan to work with at-risk or troubled youth after graduation.

Central Carolina Community College provides accelerated pathways to career entry or continued study at a four-year institution. Full-time students can earn an associate of arts in just one year, meeting all the general education requirements of a bachelor's program at a school in the University of North Carolina System. Taking just two evening classes each week, learners also have the option to earn an associate degree in business in just two years.

Online programs at the college give learners additional scheduling flexibility. The college offers fully online degrees and certificates in majors like accounting, human resources management, early childhood education, and library and information technology.

Most applicants to CCCC need only a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, the college's accelerated programs have stricter entrance requirements. To earn admission into the one-year associate program, applicants must have a high school GPA of 2.6 or higher. Admitted students must maintain a minimum 2.0 college GPA to remain on the accelerated track.

Founded in 1964, Surry Community College enables students to pursue learning in 48 academic areas. The college offers eight fully online degrees and six online certificates in subjects like computer programming and development, digital media technology, and management information systems. Distance learners at SCC work with the same faculty and follow the same curricula as on-campus students.

Additional in-person programs are available in areas such as medical interpretation for Spanish speakers, horticulture technology, and viticulture and oenology. Students can choose to take classes at the college's main campus in Dobson or at one of four satellite learning centers throughout the region.

Through the Yadkin Guarantee, Yadkin county residents pay no tuition or fees if they maintained at least a 2.3 GPA during high school. Incoming students who do not reside in the county can also apply for a host of other scholarships, including awards that offer support to students in specific fields of study.

Providing education to residents of Cleveland County for over 50 years, Cleveland Community College equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in a variety of fields, including automotive repair, carpentry, plumbing, and manufacturing. Learners can also opt to earn two-year associate degrees to prepare for professional roles in nursing, early childhood education, and information technology. Many students choose to attend CCC as an inexpensive way to begin working toward a bachelor's degree.

To apply to a degree or certificate program at CCC, you must have either a high school diploma or GED certificate. The college also requires most applicants to take a placement exam. All incoming students must meet with an academic advisor prior to enrollment.

Scholarship funds are provided to students based on financial need, academic achievement, and future career plans. North Carolina police officers, firefighters, and emergency rescue personnel pay no tuition or fees for job-related courses.

With humble beginnings as a one-room school, Sampson Community College currently offers associate degrees and certificates in 26 programs of study. Students can access many resources, including free, web-based group and individual tutoring. Learners can also upload essays and papers to the college's online writing center, receiving personalized feedback within 48 hours.

During the 2018-19 academic year, SCC awarded more than $85,000 in institutional scholarships. In addition, the Sampson Promise covers all tuition and fees for students who graduated from a Sampson County high school with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

To apply to SCC, you must hold either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Most applicants also need to take a placement exam, though the college waives this requirement for prospective students who meet GPA benchmarks or demonstrate readiness for college-level study through other standardized exams.

At Tri-County Community College, high school students have the opportunity to earn college-level credit at no cost and earn both a high school diploma and associate degree in as little as two years. Through transfer agreements, graduates can then continue their education at one of several four-year colleges and universities in North Carolina.

Programs of study at the college cover subjects such as marketing and retailing, animal-assisted human services, information technology support, and therapeutic massage. Online and hybrid courses give students the flexibility to earn their degree or professional certificate with minimal to no on-campus requirements.

While students do not need a high school diploma to attend TCCC, all applicants must meet with an academic advisor to determine if they need to enroll in developmental coursework prior to beginning a program.

Roughly 3,200 students pursue associate degrees and certificates at Craven Community College every year. An additional 10,000 learners participate in the college's continuing education programs, strengthening their English language skills, preparing to make the transition into a new profession, and/or pursuing a personal interest.

At Craven, students can receive classroom and work-based instruction in areas such as aviation management and career pilot technology, esthetics technology, and mechatronics engineering technology. Fully online programs also give learners access to continuing education opportunities in operations management, criminal justice, and medical billing and coding. Additionally, both distance and classroom learners can follow an associate degree transfer pathway, easing their transition into a bachelor's program after graduation.

All applicants -- with the exception of high school students in an early college program -- must hold either a high school diploma or the equivalent. Additional requirements, such as placement testing, may be required depending on the program. Craven does not charge an application fee.