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Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina

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2023 Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina

77 Schools Ranked
$2,482 Avg Tuition & Fees*

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.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Our analysis looked at 77 schools in North Carolina to see which basic certificate 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
3,202 Total Awards
$2,768 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Wake Technical Community College to be the most popular school for trade school students who want to pursue a basic certificate in North Carolina. Raleigh, North Carolina is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 3,202 students 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. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,912. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Wake Technical Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 77% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Wake Technical Community College Report

#2

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, North Carolina
1,470 Total Awards
$2,792 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Central Piedmont Community College helped the school earn the #2 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 1,470 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Central Piedmont Community College is $2,792. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,936. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Central Piedmont Community College does offer online classes in some areas. 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.

Full Central Piedmont Community College Report

#3

Gaston College

Dallas, North Carolina
2,549 Total Awards
$3,186 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Gaston College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina list. This medium-sized public school is located in Dallas, North Carolina, and it awarded 2,549 basic certificates 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 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able 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.

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#4

Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, North Carolina
644 Total Awards
$2,152 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Forsyth Technical Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in North Carolina. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 644 basic certificate awards 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,168. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Forsyth Tech 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, 73% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Forsyth Technical Community College

#5

Coastal Carolina Community College

Jacksonville, North Carolina
510 Total Awards
$2,462 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Coastal Carolina Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in North Carolina. Coastal Carolina Community College is a small public school situated in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It awarded 510 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,462 in tuition and fees if they attend Coastal Carolina Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,606. Of those students who received their degree, 37% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Coastal Carolina Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 83% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Coastal Carolina Community College Report

#6

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina
1,772 Total Awards
$2,564 Average Tuition & Fees

Fayetteville Technical Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #6 on the list. Fayetteville, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 1,772 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. Of those students who received their degree, 57% 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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Fayetteville Technical Community College

#7

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, North Carolina
537 Total Awards
$2,748 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, Cape Fear Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Wilmington, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 537 students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend CFCC full time pay an average of $2,748 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,892. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

Online courses are available at CFCC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2020-2021 year, about 78% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#8

Pitt Community College

Winterville, North Carolina
443 Total Awards
$1,940 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #8, Pitt Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Winterville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 443 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Pitt Community College is $1,940. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,548. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Pitt Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 77% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#9

Alamance Community College

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

Alamance Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Alamance Community College is a small public school located in Graham, North Carolina that handed out 633 basic certificates 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. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at ACC, 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, 94% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Alamance Community College Report

#10

Wilkes Community College

Wilkesboro, North Carolina
493 Total Awards
$2,572 Average Tuition & Fees

Wilkes Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #10 on the list. Located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 493 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate 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. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,716. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Wilkes Community College. In 2020-2021 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#11

Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, North Carolina
957 Total Awards
$2,319 Average Tuition & Fees

Guilford Technical Community College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Jamestown, North Carolina, the fairly large public school awarded 957 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $2,319 in tuition and fees if they attend Guilford Technical Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,695. Around 50% 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#12

Davidson County Community College

Thomasville, North Carolina
919 Total Awards
$2,208 Average Tuition & Fees

Davidson County Community College ranked #12 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina list. DCCC is located in Thomasville, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 919 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at DCCC is $2,208. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,852. Around 42% of those degree recipients were women.

DCCC 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, 66% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

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#13

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, North Carolina
752 Total Awards
$2,367 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #13, Catawba Valley Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Hickory, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 752 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CVCC is $2,367. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,743. Around 40% of those degree recipients 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.

Read full report on Catawba Valley Community College

#14

Isothermal Community College

Spindale, North Carolina
547 Total Awards
$2,030 Average Tuition & Fees

Isothermal Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Spindale, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 547 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,030 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend ICC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,638. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at ICC, 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, 79% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Isothermal Community College Report

#15

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina
839 Total Awards
$2,024 Average Tuition & Fees

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school handed out 839 basic certificate awards 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. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 82% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#16

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina
786 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 basic certificate. Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 786 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students 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. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able 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.

Read full report on Wayne Community College

#17

Lenoir Community College

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

Lenoir Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina list. Lenoir Community College is a small public school situated in Kinston, North Carolina. It awarded 474 basic certificates 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. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Lenoir Community College does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 95% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Lenoir Community College Report

#18

Randolph Community College

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

Randolph Community College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Asheboro, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 449 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Randolph Community College is $2,416. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,176. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Randolph Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#19

Johnston Community College

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

Johnston Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Smithfield, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 409 students in 2021-2022.

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. Around 33% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Johnston 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 81% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Johnston Community College Report

#20

Durham Technical Community College

Durham, North Carolina
346 Total Awards
$2,229 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Durham Technical Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Durham, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 346 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Durham Technical Community College is $2,229. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,474. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Durham Technical Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 89% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Durham Technical Community College Report

#21

Cleveland Community College

Shelby, North Carolina
448 Total Awards
$2,602 Average Tuition & Fees

Cleveland Community College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Cleveland Community College is located in Shelby, North Carolina and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 448 basic certificates to qualified students.

Students from North Carolina who attend Cleveland Community College full time pay an average of $2,602 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,746. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

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. During the 2020-2021 year, about 68% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Cleveland Community College

367 Total Awards
$2,537 Average Tuition & Fees

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Hudson, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 367 students 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. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at CCCTI, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#23

Nash Community College

Rocky Mount, North Carolina
328 Total Awards
$2,834 Average Tuition & Fees

Nash Community College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Rocky Mount, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 328 students in 2021-2022.

Students from North Carolina who attend Nash Community College full time pay an average of $2,834 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,834. Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Nash 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, 87% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Nash Community College

#24

Southwestern Community College

Sylva, North Carolina
352 Total Awards
$2,229 Average Tuition & Fees

Southwestern Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Basic Certificate Trade Schools in North Carolina ranking. Southwestern Community College is a small public school located in Sylva, North Carolina that handed out 352 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Southwestern Community College is $2,229. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,221. Of those students who received their degree, 70% were women.

Southwestern Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Southwestern Community College

335 Total Awards
$2,832 Average Tuition & Fees

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 335 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from North Carolina pay an average of $2,832 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend A-B Tech. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,976. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

One thing to take note of is that A-B Tech does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 62% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

View Most Popular Trade School Basic Certificate 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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