Central Piedmont Community College
About Central Piedmont Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Central Piedmont Community College teaches across Charlotte and is the largest college in the region. Business, nursing and design are its largest programs, and better than a quarter of its students move on to a four-year college.
Founded
1963
Location
Charlotte, North Carolina
Students
15,067
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
30.9%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$2,792
Out-of-state: $8,936
Avg Net Price
$3,345
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$37,865
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
30.9% complete their degree within three years
Retention
69.9%
Transfer Out
28%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
27.3%
$/Student
$5.7K
Class Size
Medium
The 30.9% graduation rate is below average, but 69.9% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$2,792
In-State
$8,936
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,926
Total Cost of Attendance
$10,546
After Financial Aid
$3,345
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,258
Receive Grants
29.1%
Take Loans
0%
Tuition is $2,792/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $3,345.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Central Piedmont Community College fund their education.
While in School
29.1%
Get Grants
Free money
0%
Take Loans
Must repay
$19,740
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$7,925
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$84/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $7,925, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Central Piedmont Community College.
Gender
58%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
15,067
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
40.9%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
24.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 40.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.2% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
15,067
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Central Piedmont Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$37,865
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$24K
1341 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$37K
90 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$73K
73 grads
1yr Earnings
Design and Applied Arts
$31K
62 grads
1yr Earnings
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
$45K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$41K
56 grads
1yr Earnings
Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Piedmont Community College
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.