Many high school graduates struggle to afford a college degree. These days, such a degree is a necessity, but many institutions are costly, which is why a regular student isn’t able to pay for it. Hence, they often choose not to pursue any higher education.
However, many colleges offer inexpensive courses, degrees, certificates, and beautiful locations to explore. For example, many colleges in North Carolina provide cheap courses and degrees, allowing all students to pursue higher education without going into debt. This article recommends the top ten most affordable institutions in North Carolina, so read carefully to learn more!
Affordable Colleges in North Carolina for International Students
1. McDowell Technical Community College
Founded in 1964, McDowell Technical Community College is in Marion and has a North Carolina-based student body. It offers more than 100 options for those seeking a certification, diploma, or college degree. These include business management and administration, finance, engineering, law, public service technologies, and other specialized programs.
This cheap school in North Carolina offers careers in health and many workforce training programs. It also has an impressive laboratory and medical equipment, making its medical programs some of the top ones in the country.
2. Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College, which has existed since 1969, offers various certificates, degrees, programs, and courses in dozens of fields. Moreover, this college provides high school students with a head start on college education by offering courses and programs.
Students from Vance, Franklin, Warren, and Granville counties can benefit from enrolling in this institution as one of the 58 member colleges of the North Carolina Community College System. Thanks to small class sizes, students receive quality teaching and hands-on training.
Furthermore, aspiring adult learners can also take advantage of the school’s Continuing Education Division’s offerings in fundamental academic skills, career preparation, and personal development.
3. South Piedmont Community College
With deep historical roots, it was founded in 1962 as the Ansonville Industrial Education Center. In 1999, the school was established through the merger of Anson Community College and Union Technical Education Center and was eventually named South Piedmont Community College.
This affordable school is a relatively young higher education institution in North Carolina. It has four campuses, each devoted to a specific field, and offers courses in food service management, human services, health sciences, nursing, and agriculture. In addition, this community college enrolls over 10,000 students annually and offers many financial assistance options, such as scholarships, federal aid, state aid, and loans.
4. Forsyth Technical Community College
Forsyth Technical Community College is located in Winston-Salem and is one of the largest community colleges in North Carolina. With nine campuses in and around Winston-Salem, it’s well-connected to the many excellent educational options available in this vibrant area.
The institution serves over 11,000 credit students and over 24,000 corporate and continuing education students. It offers over 80 degree programs, including carpentry, accounting, and social studies. Moreover, the college has impressive financial aid packages and scholarships for all its students.
5. Pitt Community College
The following cheap school in North Carolina is Pitt Community College, the eighth-largest community college in the state. Located in the center of Winterville, this affordable institution has offered courses in arts and sciences, business, construction, health sciences, and other continuing education programs for more than 60 years.
What’s more, Pitt Community College also helps its students pay their tuition costs over time, eliminating the need to pay interest by offering a variety of scholarships, grant programs, and other financial aid. It also organizes many cultural events for its students and the surrounding community.
6. Durham Technical Community College
Serving around 18,000 students annually, Durham Technical Community College offers various certificates, degrees, and programs in dozens of fields, such as welding, accounting, engineering, business and management, and other specialized programs. The institution has seven locations in Durham and Orange counties and offers several online course options if one can’t attend school regularly.
Moreover, this college ranks number one in graduate wages among North Carolina community colleges. It also organizes many cultural activities and sporting events for its students.
7. Martin Community College
In Williamston, Martin Community College was established in 1972 to establish a community college in Martin County, the Martin Technical Institute Foundation Inc. It then took its current name in 1976. It’s a small school serving around 800 students annually.
This affordable institution in North Carolina offers a variety of degrees and certificates, as well as its equine health program, which other colleges don’t offer. Furthermore, it offers many employment and internship opportunities for international and local students.
8. Cleveland Community College
Established in 1965 as the Cleveland County Industrial Center and later to Cleveland County Technical Institute, it was then renamed to its current name in 1980. Cleveland Community College offers its students associate degrees, diplomas, certificate programs, and many vocational courses.
Located in a suburban area, this college offers students the best of both worlds regarding non-academic activities. Moreover, it offers many financial aid packages through scholarships, work-study programs, grants, and childcare subsidies throughout the year.
9. Richmond Community College
Located in Hamlet and established in 1967, Richmond Community College is a public school that offers a variety of courses, degrees, and diplomas. Students attending this school are also invited to partake in many extracurricular activities, such as student clubs, cultural events, and business social clubs.
Approximately 70% of Richmond’s current student body participates in continuing education programs, while the other percentage participates in curriculum programs. The college now serves around 10,000 students.
Moreover, this affordable institution offers free classes to students meeting specific academic requirements, and many scholarships are available for those who do not qualify.
10. Craven Community College
The final affordable institution in North Carolina is Craven Community College. Serving over 4,000 curriculum students and over 10,000 continuing education students each year, it offers various programs, including college transfer courses, career and occupational programs, and partnerships with four-year universities.
This college is constantly growing, adding more buildings and courses, which makes it one of the most appealing community colleges in North Carolina. Among the many cutting-edge facilities on the New Bern site are the Bosch Advanced Manufacturing Center and the Craven Early College high school, a nursing simulation facility fit for the modern day.
Aside from its public and private universities, North Carolina is home to more than 50 community colleges, which are undoubtedly more affordable than the other higher education institutions in the state. Despite its cheap fees, its education is also of high quality for many local and international students. So, if you want to pursue a degree without spending expensive costs, consider the schools we listed above.
We hope this article on the cheapest colleges in North Carolina was helpful! Make sure also to check out our Study in the USA page and the Available Programs for International Students in the USA for more learning opportunities in the United States.
