Best Community Colleges in North Carolina

Consisting of 58 colleges that offer flexible and accessible educational options, the North Carolina Community College System enrolls approximately 700,000 students each year. Furthermore, the Longleaf Commitment Grant allows qualifying North Carolina high school graduates from low- and middle-income families to become eligible for financial assistance at each of these colleges.

With opportunities for free tuition, financial aid, and quality education, North Carolina houses some of the best online community colleges and trade schools.

Community colleges in North Carolina offer specialized educational options and customized job training programs, including one-year and two-year certificates and degrees, transfer opportunities, and dual enrollment. North Carolina’s community colleges offer more than 275 programs and make up one of the largest community college systems in the country.

The state’s community colleges also provide learners with the opportunity to sign up for short-term workforce training programs or earn an associate degree in nursing that qualifies them to work as registered nurses.

Forbes ranked North Carolina as the best state for business from 2017 to 2019. With a package of low taxes for businesses and residents, along with top-tier job development programs, North Carolina’s economy is on the rise.

The cost of living in North Carolina falls well below the national average, including in terms of housing, healthcare, groceries, transportation, and utilities. WalletHub also ranks North Carolina 34th in average tax burden among all states in the country. This means that the average North Carolinian pays less in taxes when compared to the national average.

North Carolina is the ninth-largest state in the United States in terms of population, boasting a diverse population of more than 10 million. Despite the large population, North Carolina is not a crowded state. Instead, the Tar Heel State is known for its beautiful coastal plains, scenic barrier islands, and hiking trails.

North Carolina houses more than 40 state parks, 10 national parks, and four national forests, along with various art and history museums. There are also various community celebrations throughout the year, helping North Carolinians come together and build an inclusive community.

There are rarely extreme winters or summers in North Carolina. The climate is mild throughout the year, characterized by its humid and sub-tropical climate.

As winters are extremely mild, North Carolinians and tourists from all over the world can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors and residents can take a trip to the iconic Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains or plan a beach getaway at Emerald Isle, Bald Head Island, or Cape Hatteras.

North Carolina’s employment ecosystem is supported by job-providing programs like ApprenticeshipNC and BioNetwork, along with customized training schemes and small business center networks that serve many local workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects that North Carolina will experience 6.3% job growth from 2018-2028. This would translate to the creation of more than 300,000 new jobs.

Healthcare and social assistance is one of the biggest employment industries in North Carolina. These professionals, who help maintain patient records and administer many types of medication, are consistently in demand. Nurses must hold a license to practice.

These professionals help veterinarians diagnose and treat animals. Daily tasks may include collecting blood and tissue samples and performing lab tests. An associate degree is the most common academic requirement for these positions.

Skilled trades careers, like electrician, generally don’t require four-year degrees. This allows individuals to enter the workforce quickly. Students aiming for a career as an electrician can look forward to entering an in-demand industry.

Students who want to work as occupational therapy assistants often earn an associate degree from a community college or technical school. Occupational therapy assistants support a patient’s recovery and progress in developing skills that they need in daily living and working.

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