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Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina

86 Schools Ranked
$2,462 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$18,594 Avg Student Debt

It's not easy to decide which program to enroll in when you have so many options available. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Our analysis looked at 86 schools in North Carolina to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Wake Technical Community College

Raleigh, North Carolina
3,141 Total Awards
$2,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,857 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Wake Technical Community College to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a associate degree in North Carolina. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school handed out 3,141 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,768 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Wake Technical Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,912. On average, associate degree students take out $22,857 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Wake Technical Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Wake Technical Community College Report

#2

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
2,460 Total Awards
$2,792 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,022 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 86 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Central Piedmont Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 2,460 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Central Piedmont Community College is $2,792. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,936. Associate Degree recipients from Central Piedmont Community College accumulate an average of $13,022 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Online courses are available at Central Piedmont Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 100% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#3

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1,883 Total Awards
$2,544 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,442 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fayetteville Technical Community College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This medium-sized public school is located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,883 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,544 in tuition and fees if they attend FTCC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,688. On average, associate degree students take out $19,442 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

FTCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#4

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
1,500 Total Awards
$2,289 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,911 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 86 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Guilford Technical Community College landed the # 4 spot on the list. This medium-sized public school is located in Jamestown, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,500 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Guilford Technical Community College full time pay an average of $2,289 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,665. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,911 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Guilford Technical Community College. In fact, around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#5

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, North Carolina
1,375 Total Awards
$2,748 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,238 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Cape Fear Community College is a great place for students working on their associate degree. This fairly large public school is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, and it awarded 1,375 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,748 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CFCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,892. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,238 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

CFCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 100% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Cape Fear Community College Report

#6

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
1,259 Total Awards
$1,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,602 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Pitt Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Pitt Community College is a public institution located in Winterville, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,259 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $1,940 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Pitt Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,548. On average, associate degree students take out $24,602 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Pitt Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 91% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Pitt Community College

#7

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1,163 Total Awards
$2,152 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,896 Avg Student Debt

Forsyth Technical Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,163 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Forsyth Tech is $2,152. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,168. Associate Degree recipients from Forsyth Tech accumulate an average of $17,896 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Forsyth Tech does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Forsyth Technical Community College Report

932 Total Awards
$2,537 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,798 Avg Student Debt

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is a small public school located in Hudson, North Carolina that handed out 932 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,537 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CCCTI. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,681. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,798 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

CCCTI does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 67% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#9

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina
915 Total Awards
$2,626 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,398 Avg Student Debt

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Salisbury, North Carolina. It awarded 915 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is $2,626. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,770. Associate Degree recipients from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College accumulate an average of $12,398 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Rowan-Cabarrus Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 71% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

789 Total Awards
$2,632 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,341 Avg Student Debt

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 789 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend A-B Tech full time pay an average of $2,632 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,776. On average, associate degree students take out $19,341 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at A-B Tech. In 2019-2020 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
755 Total Awards
$2,862 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,582 Avg Student Debt

Gaston College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Gaston College is a public institution located in Dallas, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 755 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,862 in tuition and fees if they attend Gaston College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,006. On average, associate degree students take out $10,582 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Gaston College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 87% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#12

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
734 Total Awards
$2,367 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,680 Avg Student Debt

Catawba Valley Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. This small public school is located in Hickory, North Carolina, and it awarded 734 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend CVCC full time pay an average of $2,367 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,743. On average, associate degree students take out $14,680 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

One thing to take note of is that CVCC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Catawba Valley Community College

#13

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, North Carolina
719 Total Awards
$2,657 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,306 Avg Student Debt

Johnston Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Johnston Community College is a small public school located in Smithfield, North Carolina that handed out 719 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Johnston Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,801. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,306 in student loans. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Johnston Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#14

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina
634 Total Awards
$2,228 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,974 Avg Student Debt

Durham Technical Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 634 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Durham Technical Community College full time pay an average of $2,228 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,479. Associate Degree recipients from Durham Technical Community College accumulate an average of $23,974 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

Durham Technical Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Durham Technical Community College Report

#15

Coastal Carolina Community College

Jacksonville, North Carolina
618 Total Awards
$2,462 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,201 Avg Student Debt

Coastal Carolina Community College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Coastal Carolina Community College is a small public school located in Jacksonville, North Carolina that handed out 618 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,462 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Coastal Carolina Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,606. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,201 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Coastal Carolina Community College. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Coastal Carolina Community College

#16

Sandhills Community College

Pinehurst, North Carolina
614 Total Awards
$2,764 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,877 Avg Student Debt

Sandhills Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. This small public school is located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and it awarded 614 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,764 in tuition and fees if they attend SCC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,908. Associate Degree recipients from SCC accumulate an average of $12,877 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SCC. In 2019-2020 about 89% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#17

Alamance Community College

Graham, North Carolina
605 Total Awards
$2,310 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,359 Avg Student Debt

Alamance Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list. ACC is located in Graham, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 605 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,310 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ACC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,070. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,359 in student loans. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at ACC. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Alamance Community College

#18

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
593 Total Awards
$2,226 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,103 Avg Student Debt

Davidson County Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. DCCC is a small public school situated in Thomasville, North Carolina. It awarded 593 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend DCCC full time pay an average of $2,226 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,658. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,103 in student loans. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

DCCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#19

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
555 Total Awards
$2,524 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,182 Avg Student Debt

Wayne Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. Wayne Community College is a public institution located in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 555 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $2,524 in tuition and fees if they attend Wayne Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,668. Associate Degree recipients from Wayne Community College accumulate an average of $8,182 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Wayne Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Wayne Community College

#20

Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, North Carolina
549 Total Awards
$2,554 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,048 Avg Student Debt

Central Carolina Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an associate degree. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Sanford, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 549 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,554 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Central Carolina Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,698. On average, associate degree students take out $11,048 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Central Carolina Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#21

Craven Community College

New Bern, North Carolina
500 Total Awards
$2,022 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,946 Avg Student Debt

Craven Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Craven Community College is a small public school situated in New Bern, North Carolina. It awarded 500 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Craven Community College full time pay an average of $2,022 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,630. On average, associate degree students take out $13,946 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 59% were women.

Craven Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 83% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Craven Community College

#22

Randolph Community College

Asheboro, North Carolina
462 Total Awards
$2,386 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,007 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Randolph Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Randolph Community College is a public institution located in Asheboro, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 462 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,386 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Randolph Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,146. Associate Degree recipients from Randolph Community College accumulate an average of $11,007 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 68% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Randolph Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, North Carolina
461 Total Awards
$1,944 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,813 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Vance-Granville Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. Vance-Granville Community College is a small public school located in Henderson, North Carolina that handed out 461 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,944 in tuition and fees if they attend Vance-Granville Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,552. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,813 in student loans. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Vance-Granville Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 98% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#24

Lenoir Community College

Kinston, North Carolina
441 Total Awards
$2,568 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,861 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Lenoir Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in Kinston, North Carolina, and it awarded 441 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Lenoir Community College full time pay an average of $2,568 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,712. On average, associate degree students take out $14,861 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Lenoir Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 96% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lenoir Community College Report

#25

Mitchell Community College

Statesville, North Carolina
428 Total Awards
$2,651 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,331 Avg Student Debt

Mitchell Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree programs. This small public school is located in Statesville, North Carolina, and it awarded 428 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from North Carolina who attend Mitchell Community College full time pay an average of $2,651 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,795. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,331 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Mitchell Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 96% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Mitchell Community College

View Most Popular Associate Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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