Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

With a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and a graduation/transfer rate 26 percentage points higher than the national average, Pamlico Community College ranks as one of the best community colleges in North Carolina. Students at PCC can pursue certificates and degrees in fields like criminal justice technology, early childhood education, and medical office administration. The college also maintains continuing education and skill development programs for working adults.

Numerous programs at the college are available online, including the ECU Partnership Program for future K-12 educators. PCC also supports distance education students with online academic advising, career coaching, tutoring, and writing assistance.

To apply to PCC, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Some students may also need to take a free placement test to determine if they need to enroll in developmental courses.

Located on a 175-acre campus in Goldsboro, Wayne Community College offers more than 100 degree, certificate, and professional development programs in subjects like emergency management, mechanical engineering technology, and aviation systems. Students at this community college in North Carolina also have the option to earn fully online degrees and certificates in areas such as accounting, computer programming, and medical office administration.

For students wishing to transfer to an in-state bachelor's program, WCC offers AA, AS, associate of engineering, and associate of general education in nursing degrees that meet the general education requirements of University of North Carolina System institutions.

Students at WCC enjoy access to a wealth of support services. The school's career services office hosts personalized counseling, resume and interview skills workshops, and job fairs.

Applying to WCC generally requires a high school diploma or the equivalent. Prospective students may also need to take a placement exam to assess their readiness to study at the college level.

Situated in North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, Mayland Community College serves students across the state through online and hybrid classes in subjects like biology, business law, medical terminology, and network security. In-person programs are also available in areas such as criminal justice, electronics engineering, and practical nursing.

Students at Mayland can also select one of three associate degree tracks that meet the general education requirements of a bachelor's program at a four-year institution. Mayland maintains articulation agreements with several public and private colleges in the state, making it easy to transfer credit.

Applicants must submit official copies of their high school or GED transcripts, though Mayland does not require incoming students to take a placement exam. Certain programs, such as nursing, may have stricter entrance requirements, Students can apply for more than 60 scholarships awarded on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, and career aspirations.

With separate campuses in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties, Vance-Granville Community College offers more than 40 programs in fields like business administration, computer science, education, and health services. Students who need to balance their studies with professional or personal responsibilities can also take advantage of fully online programs in criminal justice, early childhood care, and supply chain management.

Alongside its degree and certificate programs, VGCC provides a multitude of professional development and personal enrichment opportunities. For example, students can participate in a law enforcement training program, developing the skills needed to earn admission into a police academy or qualify for a departmental promotion.

Prospective students must apply online; submit official copies of their transcripts; and take a placement exam that covers subjects like math, writing, and reading comprehension. Students who do not receive a passing score on this exam may need to take remedial coursework prior to enrolling in a program.

Each year, Western Piedmont Community College educates more than 7,000 students through 104 degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Students can choose to learn at the college's 300-acre campus, in fully online programs, or through a hybrid approach that allows participants to combine the convenience of distance education with the structure of the classroom experience.

Programs are available in building construction technology, digital effects and animation, information technology, and paralegal studies. Students who earn an associate of arts or associate of science at the college also receive guaranteed admission to member institutions of the University of North Carolina System.

WPCC operates under an open-door admission policy. Applicants who do not meet English and math competencies may need to take developmental classes. Prospective students can also apply for multiple forms of financial aid, such as a $1,000 scholarship for emergency services personnel and their families.

Committed to access, excellence, and student support, Rockingham Community College ranks as one of the best community colleges in North Carolina. In addition to on-campus programs in areas like finance, industrial systems technology, and respiratory therapy, the college also offers dozens of online and hybrid classes.

While RCC uses an open-door admission policy, its health sciences programs have limited enrollment and set stricter entrance requirements. For example, to enroll in the pharmacy technician program, you must score at least 70% on the program's placement test. Programs in nursing and medical laboratory technology may also require an interview with an admissions counselor.

Through the Spartan Passage program, students who earn an associate degree at RCC receive guaranteed admission to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. They are also eligible for transfer scholarships and have their application fees waived. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0 to remain in this program.

With a main campus in Albemarle, Stanly Community College gives students the support they need to succeed in the classroom and after graduation. Students can work with dedicated mentors to complete their financial aid paperwork, choose and enroll in classes, and navigate the college's online resources. Success coaches help students consider their career interests and options, hone their resume writing and interview skills, and network with alumni and employers.

Degree and certificate programs provide instruction in areas like agribusiness technology, heavy equipment operations, radiography, and game development. SCC also offers fully online programs in accounting, business administration, cybersecurity, and human services technology.

Applying to SCC requires either a high school diploma or GED certificate. Students who have not taken the ACT or SAT may need to take a placement test. The placement exam is free, and online students can receive a voucher to take the test at an authorized center in their area.

While Montgomery Community College offers a host of traditional programs in subjects like business administration and medical assisting, students attending this community college in North Carolina can also explore highly specialized topics like gunsmithing, metal engraving, and hunting and shooting sports management. While some courses are available at a distance, MCC does not currently offer any fully online programs.

To apply to MCC, you must hold a high school diploma or the equivalent. Incoming students must also take a placement exam, though the college waives this requirement for those who have previously taken some college-level courses. New students must also meet with an academic advisor to create a plan of study.

MCC offers a variety of institutional scholarships to increase the affordability of its programs. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA during their undergraduate studies and demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA.

Serving approximately 10.000 students, Richmond Community College prides itself on providing high-quality education and flexible learning opportunities. The average class size at the college is just 17 pupils, allowing instructors to provide personalized attention to their students. In addition, day, night, and online classes give students the freedom to continue their education at their convenience.

Fully online associate programs are available in business administration, law enforcement, healthcare management, and cybersecurity. Through its adult education programs, RCC also helps students earn high school equivalency certificates and develop the academic skills needed to study at the college level. The college also holds transfer agreements with all schools in the University of North Carolina System, as well as 20 additional private colleges and universities in the state.

Applicants must submit official copies of their high school transcripts. Prospective students must take a placement test and meet with an academic counselor.

Since its founding in 1964, Southwestern Community College has awarded more than 15,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in areas such as entrepreneurship, automotive systems technology, paralegal technology, and the culinary arts. To further expand educational opportunities, the college now offers fully online programs in office administration, software development, and early childhood education administration.

SCC emphasizes work-based learning. Students in more than a dozen of the college's associate programs participate in internships to evaluate potential career options, develop practical experience, and grow their professional network.

Degree-seeking applicants must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. They must also demonstrate college-level reading, writing, and math proficiency based on a placement test, high school GPA, or prior college credit.

Prospective students can also apply for a variety of scholarships. For example, the Brigham Scholars program supports students who excel academically and plan to pursue a criminal justice career after graduation.