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2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina
When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience.
Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Trade College Search has created the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 42 schools in North Carolina to see which ones offered the best associate degree programs for trade school students.
View our full ranking methodology.
Top Trade Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Our analysis found Craven Community College to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a associate degree in North Carolina. Craven Community College is a public institution located in New Bern, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 660 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,022 in tuition and fees if they attend Craven Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,630.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Craven Community College. In 2020-2021 about 73% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Central Piedmont Community College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. This fairly large public school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 2,459 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from North Carolina who attend Central Piedmont Community College full time pay an average of $2,792 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,936. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,146 in student loans.
Central Piedmont Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
The excellent associate degree programs at Richmond Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in North Carolina. Richmond Community College is located in Hamlet, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 391 associate degrees to qualified students.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,536 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Richmond Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,680.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Richmond Community College. In 2020-2021 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
The excellent associate degree programs at Brunswick Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in North Carolina. Brunswick Community College is located in Bolivia, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 282 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from North Carolina who attend Brunswick Community College full time pay an average of $2,532 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,676.
One thing to take note of is that Brunswick Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 95% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Surry Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Surry Community College is a small public school situated in Dobson, North Carolina. It awarded 451 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,663 in tuition and fees if they attend Surry Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,807.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Surry Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 55% took at least some of their classes online.
Lenoir Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Lenoir Community College is a small public school situated in Kinston, North Carolina. It awarded 392 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Lenoir Community College is $2,568. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,712.
Lenoir Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.
Pitt Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Winterville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,062 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pitt Community College is $1,940. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,548. On average, associate degree students take out $19,749 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Pitt Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 77% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Montgomery Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. MCC is a public institution located in Troy, North Carolina. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 114 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,538 in tuition and fees if they attend MCC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,682.
One thing to take note of is that MCC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 48% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Nash Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and it awarded 409 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,834 in tuition and fees if they attend Nash Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,834. On average, associate degree students take out $13,886 in loans while pursuing their degree.
Online courses are available at Nash Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 87% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Johnston Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Smithfield, North Carolina, and it awarded 671 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from North Carolina who attend Johnston Community College full time pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,801.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Johnston Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 81% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Southwestern Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Located in Sylva, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 364 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southwestern Community College is $2,229. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,221. Associate Degree recipients from Southwestern Community College accumulate an average of $13,091 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Southwestern Community College. In fact, around 62% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. This medium-sized public school is located in Salisbury, North Carolina, and it awarded 810 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,024 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,632. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,696 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 82% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
South Piedmont Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #13 on the list. South Piedmont Community College is a small public school situated in Polkton, North Carolina. It awarded 300 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,015 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend South Piedmont Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,623.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since South Piedmont Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 76% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Cleveland Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Shelby, North Carolina, and it awarded 467 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,602 in tuition and fees if they attend Cleveland Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,746.
Online courses are available at Cleveland Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 68% took at least some of their classes online.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. CCCTI is a public institution located in Hudson, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 795 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CCCTI is $2,537. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,681. On average, associate degree students take out $9,864 in loans while pursuing their degree.
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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 66% took at least some of their classes online.
Read full report on Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
With a ranking of #16, Wake Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 2,898 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
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. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,912. Associate Degree recipients from Wake Technical Community College accumulate an average of $19,897 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Wake 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 77% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Cape Fear Community College came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Cape Fear Community College is a fairly large public school located in Wilmington, North Carolina that handed out 1,335 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,748 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CFCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,892. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,166 in student loans.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at CFCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 78% took at least some of their classes online.
Wayne Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. This small public school is located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 499 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,524 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Wayne Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,668.
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, 79% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Forsyth Technical Community College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Forsyth Tech is a public institution located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,113 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,152 in tuition and fees if they attend Forsyth Tech full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,168. On average, associate degree students take out $15,817 in loans while pursuing their degree.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Forsyth Tech does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 73% took at least some of their classes online.
Alamance Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #20 on the list. ACC is located in Graham, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 573 associate degrees to qualified students.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ACC is $2,498. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,642.
Some students may be able to take online classes at ACC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Central Carolina Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Central Carolina Community College is a public institution located in Sanford, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 615 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,554 in tuition and fees if they attend Central Carolina Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,698.
Central Carolina 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 84% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Beaufort County Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. This small public school is located in Washington, North Carolina, and it awarded 330 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Beaufort County Community College is $2,518. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,662.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Beaufort County Community College. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
Gaston College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Gaston College is located in Dallas, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 751 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $3,186 in tuition and fees if they attend Gaston College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,330.
Gaston 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Sampson Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Clinton, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 354 students in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $3,163 in tuition and fees if they attend Sampson Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $11,035.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Sampson Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
College of the Albemarle ranked #25 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Elizabeth City, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 349 students in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,260 in tuition and fees if they attend College of the Albemarle full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,346.
College of the Albemarle 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, 97% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Best Trade Associate Degree Schools in the Southeast Region
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Notes and References
Footnotes
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
References
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- 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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