Find Trade Colleges

Study Area & Zipcode

Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina

Find Schools Near

2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina

67 Schools Ranked
$3,932 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$18,430 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. 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.

The Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 67 schools in North Carolina to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for trade school 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
2,898 Total Awards
$2,768 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,897 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Wake Technical Community College the most popular school in North Carolina for trade school students working on their associate degree. Wake Technical Community College is a large public school located in Raleigh, North Carolina that handed out 2,898 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,768 in tuition and fees if they attend Wake Technical Community College full time. Out-of-state students 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. Of those students who received their degree, 56% were women.

Online courses are available at Wake Technical 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 77% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#2

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1,676 Total Awards
$2,564 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,785 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 67 schools in North Carolina that were part of this year’s ranking, Fayetteville Technical Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 1,676 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend FTCC full time pay an average of $2,564 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,708. Associate Degree recipients from FTCC accumulate an average of $16,785 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

FTCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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.

Read More…

#3

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
2,459 Total Awards
$2,792 Average Tuition & Fees
$6,146 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Central Piedmont Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school has a fairly large population, 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. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Central Piedmont Community College. 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.

Read More…

#4

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
1,431 Total Awards
$2,319 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,790 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Guilford Technical Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Guilford Technical Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Jamestown, North Carolina. It awarded 1,431 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,319 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Guilford Technical Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,695. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,790 in student loans. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Guilford 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 2020-2021 about 61% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Guilford Technical Community College Report

#5

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
1,062 Total Awards
$1,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,749 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Pitt Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Winterville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,062 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $1,940 in tuition and fees if they attend Pitt Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,548. On average, associate degree students take out $19,749 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 67% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Pitt Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. 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.

Full Pitt Community College Report

#6

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1,113 Total Awards
$2,152 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,817 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, Forsyth Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Forsyth Technical Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that handed out 1,113 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,152 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Forsyth Tech. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,168. Associate Degree recipients from Forsyth Tech accumulate an average of $15,817 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 fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Forsyth Technical Community College Report

600 Total Awards
$2,832 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,056 Avg Student Debt

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. A-B Tech is a public institution located in Asheville, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 600 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at A-B Tech is $2,832. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,976. On average, associate degree students take out $20,056 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at A-B Tech. During the 2020-2021 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Report

#8

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina
217 Total Awards
$38,046 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,236 Avg Student Debt

Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte is a small private not-for-profit school located in Charlotte, North Carolina that handed out 217 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend JWU Charlotte, expect to pay an average of $38,046 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $16,236 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

JWU Charlotte 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 9% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte

#9

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, North Carolina
1,335 Total Awards
$2,748 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,166 Avg Student Debt

Cape Fear Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 1,335 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students 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. On average, associate degree students take out $10,166 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that CFCC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 78% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Cape Fear Community College

#10

Johnston Community College

Smithfield, North Carolina
671 Total Awards
$2,657 Average Tuition & Fees

Johnston Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #10 on the list. 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. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Johnston 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 2020-2021 about 81% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina
810 Total Awards
$2,024 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,696 Avg Student Debt

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a public institution located in Salisbury, North Carolina. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 810 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College full time pay an average of $2,024 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,632. On average, associate degree students take out $10,696 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 82% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#12

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
522 Total Awards
$2,208 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,605 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Davidson County Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. DCCC is a public institution located in Thomasville, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 522 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,208 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend DCCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,852. On average, associate degree students take out $15,605 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at DCCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 66% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Davidson County Community College

795 Total Awards
$2,537 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,864 Avg Student Debt

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute is a small public school located in Hudson, North Carolina that handed out 795 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend CCCTI full time pay an average of $2,537 in tuition and fees. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CCCTI. In 2020-2021 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

#14

Central Carolina Community College

Sanford, North Carolina
615 Total Awards
$2,554 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #14, Central Carolina Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Central Carolina Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Sanford, North Carolina that handed out 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. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Central Carolina Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 84% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Central Carolina Community College Report

#15

Southwestern Community College

Sylva, North Carolina
364 Total Awards
$2,229 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,091 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Sylva, North Carolina, and it awarded 364 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southwestern Community College is $2,229. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,221. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,091 in student loans. Around 70% of those degree recipients were women.

Southwestern 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, 62% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Southwestern Community College

#16

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
499 Total Awards
$2,524 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, Wayne Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 499 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Wayne Community College full time pay an average of $2,524 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,668. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Wayne Community College. In fact, around 79% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Wayne Community College

#16

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
751 Total Awards
$3,186 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #16, Gaston College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. 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.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $3,186 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Gaston College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,330. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Gaston College. In fact, around 93% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Gaston College Report

#18

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
938 Total Awards
$2,367 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,351 Avg Student Debt

Catawba Valley Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get an associate degree. It came in at #18 on the list. CVCC is located in Hickory, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 938 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from North Carolina who attend CVCC full time pay an average of $2,367 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,743. Associate Degree recipients from CVCC accumulate an average of $8,351 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Online courses are available at CVCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Catawba Valley Community College

#19

Lenoir Community College

Kinston, North Carolina
392 Total Awards
$2,568 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #19, Lenoir Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Lenoir Community College is a public institution located in Kinston, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 392 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,568 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Lenoir Community College. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,712. Around 64% 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 2020-2021 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Lenoir Community College

#20

Alamance Community College

Graham, North Carolina
573 Total Awards
$2,498 Average Tuition & Fees

Alamance Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Alamance Community College is a small public school located in Graham, North Carolina that handed out 573 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at ACC is $2,498. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,642. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

ACC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Alamance Community College Report

#21

Sandhills Community College

Pinehurst, North Carolina
684 Total Awards
$2,764 Average Tuition & Fees

Sandhills Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. SCC is a small public school situated in Pinehurst, North Carolina. It awarded 684 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SCC is $2,764. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,908. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at SCC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 79% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Sandhills Community College

#22

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina
510 Total Awards
$2,229 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,349 Avg Student Debt

Durham Technical Community College landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. This small public school is located in Durham, North Carolina, and it awarded 510 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,229 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Durham Technical Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,474. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,349 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Durham Technical Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#23

Wilkes Community College

Wilkesboro, North Carolina
393 Total Awards
$2,572 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,621 Avg Student Debt

Wilkes Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Wilkes Community College is a public institution located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 393 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,572 in tuition and fees if they attend Wilkes Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,716. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $9,621 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Wilkes Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Wilkes Community College Report

#24

Stanly Community College

Albemarle, North Carolina
357 Total Awards
$2,794 Average Tuition & Fees

Stanly Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Stanly Technical College is located in Albemarle, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 357 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,794 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Stanly Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,245. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Stanly Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 89% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#25

Randolph Community College

Asheboro, North Carolina
442 Total Awards
$2,416 Average Tuition & Fees

Randolph Community College came in at #25 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Asheboro, North Carolina, and it awarded 442 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Randolph Community College full time pay an average of $2,416 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,176. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Randolph Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Randolph Community College

View Most Popular Trade School 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.

Featured Schools

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.