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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.
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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. Located in New Bern, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 660 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Craven Community College is $2,022. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,630.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Craven Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 73% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
The excellent associate degree programs at Central Piedmont Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in North Carolina. Central Piedmont Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Out-of-state students 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.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Central Piedmont Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.
A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Richmond Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Richmond Community College is a small public school situated in Hamlet, North Carolina. It awarded 391 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,536 in tuition and fees if they attend Richmond Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,680.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Richmond Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 57% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Brunswick Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Brunswick Community College is a small public school located in Bolivia, North Carolina that handed out 282 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,532 in tuition and fees if they attend Brunswick Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,676.
Brunswick Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 95% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Surry Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Dobson, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 451 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Surry Community College is $2,663. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,807.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Surry Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 55% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
With a ranking of #6, Lenoir Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Kinston, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 392 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Students from North Carolina who attend Lenoir Community College full time pay an average of $2,568 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,712.
Some students may be able to take online classes at Lenoir 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.
With a ranking of #7, Pitt Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Pitt Community College is located in Winterville, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,062 associate degrees to qualified students.
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.
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. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class 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. This very small public school is located in Troy, North Carolina, and it awarded 114 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Students from North Carolina who attend MCC full time pay an average of $2,538 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,682.
MCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Nash Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Nash Community College is a public institution located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 409 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,834 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Nash Community College. Out-of-state students 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. Johnston Community College is a public institution located in Smithfield, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 671 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees if they attend Johnston Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,801.
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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Southwestern 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 #11 on the list. Located in Sylva, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 364 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,229 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Southwestern Community College. Out-of-state students 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.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Southwestern Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 810 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is $2,024. 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.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Rowan-Cabarrus Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
South Piedmont Community College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. South Piedmont Community College is a public institution located in Polkton, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 300 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at South Piedmont Community College is $2,015. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,623.
Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at South Piedmont Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 76% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Cleveland Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Cleveland Community College is a public institution located in Shelby, North Carolina. The school has a small population, 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,746.
One thing to take note of is that Cleveland Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
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. This small public school is located in Hudson, North Carolina, and it awarded 795 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,537 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CCCTI. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,681. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,864 in student loans.
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 2020-2021 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Read full report on Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Wake Technical Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Wake Technical Community College is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and has a large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,898 associate degrees to qualified students.
Students from North Carolina who attend Wake Technical Community College full time pay an average of $2,768 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,912. On average, associate degree students take out $19,897 in loans while pursuing their degree.
One thing to take note of is that Wake Technical Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 77% took at least some of their classes online.
Cape Fear Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. CFCC is a public institution located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,335 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CFCC is $2,748. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,892. Associate Degree recipients from CFCC accumulate an average of $10,166 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.
Some students 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 landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. Wayne Community College is a small public school located in Goldsboro, North Carolina that handed out 499 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
In-state students pay an average of $2,524 in tuition and fees if they attend Wayne Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,668.
Online courses are available at Wayne 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 79% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Forsyth Technical 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 #19 on the list. Forsyth Tech is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,113 associate degrees to qualified students.
In-state students pay an average of $2,152 in tuition and fees if they attend Forsyth Tech full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,168. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,817 in student loans.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Forsyth Tech does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 73% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.
Alamance Community College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best associate degree trade school programs. ACC is a public institution located in Graham, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 573 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ACC is $2,498. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,642.
ACC 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, 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. Sanford, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 615 students in 2021-2022.
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.
You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Central Carolina Community College. In 2020-2021 about 84% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.
Beaufort County Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Washington, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 330 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,518 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Beaufort County Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,662.
If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Beaufort County Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.
With a ranking of #23, Gaston College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Gaston College is a medium-sized public school situated in Dallas, North Carolina. It awarded 751 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $3,186 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Gaston College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,330.
Online courses are available at Gaston College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 93% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.
Sampson Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Clinton, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 354 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Sampson Community College is $3,163. Out-of-state students pay an average of $11,035.
Online courses are available at Sampson Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 95% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.
College of the Albemarle 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 #25 on the list. College of the Albemarle is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 349 associate degrees to qualified students.
Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,260 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend College of the Albemarle. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,346.
College of the Albemarle does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class 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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