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Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina

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 public institution located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2,898 associate degrees 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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,897 in student loans. Around 56% of those degree recipients 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. In fact, around 77% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Wake Technical Community College Report

#2

Fayetteville Technical Community College

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fayetteville Technical Community College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. FTCC is a fairly large public school situated in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It awarded 1,676 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at FTCC is $2,564. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,708. On average, associate degree students take out $16,785 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since FTCC does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 82% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Fayetteville Technical Community College

#3

Central Piedmont Community College

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

The excellent associate degree programs at Central Piedmont Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in North Carolina. Central Piedmont Community College is located in Charlotte, North Carolina and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,459 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $2,792 in tuition and fees if they attend Central Piedmont Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,936. On average, associate degree students take out $6,146 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Central Piedmont Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#4

Guilford Technical Community College

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Guilford Technical Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Jamestown, North Carolina, the fairly large public school handed out 1,431 associate degree awards in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Guilford Technical Community College full time pay an average of $2,319 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,695. Associate Degree recipients from Guilford Technical Community College accumulate an average of $19,790 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Guilford Technical Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 61% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Guilford Technical Community College

#5

Pitt Community College

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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Pitt Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their associate degree. Winterville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,062 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $1,940 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Pitt Community College. 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. 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. 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 full report on Pitt Community College

#6

Forsyth Technical Community College

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

Forsyth Technical 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 #6 on the 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.

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. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,817 in student loans. 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online 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 ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Asheville, North Carolina that handed out 600 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,832 in tuition and fees if they attend A-B Tech full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,976. Associate Degree recipients from A-B Tech accumulate an average of $20,056 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 A-B Tech does offer online classes in some areas. 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.

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. Charlotte, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 217 students in 2021-2022.

JWU Charlotte does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $38,046. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,236 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

JWU Charlotte does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 9% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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 came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. 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.

In-state students pay an average of $2,748 in tuition and fees if they attend CFCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state 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. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

CFCC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 78% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Cape Fear Community College

#10

Johnston Community College

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

With a ranking of #10, Johnston Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Johnston Community College is located in Smithfield, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 671 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from North Carolina who attend Johnston Community College full time pay an average of $2,657 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,801. Of those students who received their degree, 62% 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 fact, around 81% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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 medium-sized public school located in Salisbury, North Carolina that handed out 810 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,024 in tuition and fees if they attend Rowan-Cabarrus Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,632. Associate Degree recipients from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College accumulate an average of $10,696 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Online courses are available at Rowan-Cabarrus Community 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, 82% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Report

#12

Davidson County Community College

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

Davidson County Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. This small public school is located in Thomasville, North Carolina, and it awarded 522 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend DCCC full time pay an average of $2,208 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,852. On average, associate degree students take out $15,605 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at DCCC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Davidson County Community College Report

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

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. CCCTI is located in Hudson, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 795 associate degrees to qualified students.

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. Around 65% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CCCTI. In fact, around 66% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Central Carolina Community College

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

Central Carolina Community College ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Central Carolina Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Sanford, North Carolina. It awarded 615 associate degrees 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,698. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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. In 2020-2021 about 84% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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

With a ranking of #15, Southwestern Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Southwestern Community College is a public institution located in Sylva, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 364 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Southwestern Community College full time pay an average of $2,229 in tuition and fees. 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. In 2020-2021 about 62% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Southwestern Community College

#16

Wayne Community College

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

Wayne Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Wayne Community College is a small public school situated in Goldsboro, North Carolina. It awarded 499 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Wayne Community College is $2,524. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,668. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Wayne 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, 79% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Wayne Community College

#16

Gaston College

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

Gaston 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 #16 on the list. Located in Dallas, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 751 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

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

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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 93% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#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 landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree trade school programs. Hickory, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 938 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,367 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CVCC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,743. On average, associate degree students take out $8,351 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CVCC. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Catawba Valley Community College Report

#19

Lenoir Community College

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

Lenoir 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 #19 on the list. 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,712. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able 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 More…

#20

Alamance Community College

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

Alamance 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 #20 on the list. This small public school is located in Graham, North Carolina, and it awarded 573 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,498 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ACC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,642. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at ACC. In fact, around 94% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Alamance Community College Report

#21

Sandhills Community College

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

With a ranking of #21, Sandhills Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. SCC is located in Pinehurst, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 684 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from North Carolina who attend SCC full time pay an average of $2,764 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,908. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

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

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 ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Associate Degree Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 510 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Durham Technical Community College full time pay an average of $2,229 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,474. Associate Degree recipients from Durham Technical Community College accumulate an average of $20,349 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Durham Technical Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 89% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Durham Technical Community College Report

#23

Wilkes Community College

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

With a ranking of #23, Wilkes Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their associate degree. Wilkesboro, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 393 students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Wilkes Community College full time pay an average of $2,572 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to 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. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Wilkes Community College. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Wilkes Community College

#24

Stanly Community College

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

Stanly 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 #24 on the list. This small public school is located in Albemarle, North Carolina, and it awarded 357 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Stanly Technical College is $2,794. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,245. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Stanly Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Stanly Community College

#25

Randolph Community College

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

Randolph 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 #25 on the list. Randolph Community College is a public institution located in Asheboro, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 442 associate degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,416 in tuition and fees if they attend Randolph Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,176. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Randolph Community College. In 2020-2021 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

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.

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