Alamance Community College: $2,528 Tuition

$2,528Tuition

2,393Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,241Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Alamance Community College

The River Otters serve a diverse student body of 2,393 students in this suburban community college outside Burlington. Women make up 61.72% of enrollment, while the student population is 46.05% white, 20.81% Hispanic, and 18.64% Black. Nearly all students (99.43%) come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college has built a solid reputation for workforce development and transfer programs since opening in 1958.

In-state students pay $2,528 in tuition, though the average net price reaches $16,465 when factoring in living expenses. Lower-income families earning under $30,000 face net costs of $18,278, while middle-class families ($75,000-$110,000) pay just $6,891. Graduates earn a median of $34,241 ten years after starting college. The math works for many students, especially those using the college as an affordable stepping stone to four-year degrees.

Only 24.60% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford college without significant borrowing. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in smaller classes. With an 89.5% employment rate, graduates find work relatively quickly, though the 29.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students face competing priorities like work and family obligations.

Academics & Faculty

Alamance Community College focuses on workforce training and transfer preparation with practical, career-oriented programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes where professors know students by name. However, the 29.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face juggling work, family, and studies. The college is particularly known for its healthcare programs, including nursing and medical assisting, which connect directly to local hospital networks. Strong automotive technology and welding programs serve the region's manufacturing base. Nearly all students are North Carolina residents seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or immediate employment skills.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 15.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,241

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$54,646
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$41,565
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$33,993
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$31,848
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$30,650
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$27,679
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$26,739
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$23,207

View all 69 programs →

Campus Life

Graham sits about 30 minutes from both Greensboro and Chapel Hill, giving students access to bigger college towns without the higher costs. Nearly all students (99.43%) come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community feel. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as North Carolina's piedmont region sees hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional snow.

As a commuter campus serving 2,393 students, most social life happens between classes rather than on weekends. The student body is 61.72% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's healthcare and early childhood education programs. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and track your progress closely. Students often study together in the library or grab lunch at the student center before heading to work or family obligations. The River Otters nickname reflects the school's connection to the nearby Haw River. Many students balance classes with jobs, contributing to the 89.5% employment rate among graduates.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	0	0	0
Stalking	2	0	0	0
Dating Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–48°F
July Avg: 66°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 90.7"
Annual Snowfall: 2.9"

Student Demographics

Alamance Community College draws heavily from the local Piedmont region, with 99% of students from North Carolina. The student body reflects the area's growing diversity, bringing together white, Black, and Hispanic students in roughly equal proportions. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely drawn to the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and transfer pathways in the Burlington-Graham area.

Men: 38.3%
Women: 61.7%
White: 46.1%
Black: 18.6%
Hispanic: 20.8%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 99.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.6%

Location

Graham, North Carolina sits in the heart of the Piedmont region, about 25 miles west of the Triangle metro area. The 2,393-student campus serves Alamance County's suburban communities, where nearly 100% of students come from in-state. This part of central North Carolina blends small-town charm with access to larger cities like Burlington and Greensboro nearby. The area has strong textile and manufacturing roots, which aligns with many of the college's career-focused programs. Graham itself maintains a quiet, residential feel while offering students reasonable access to urban opportunities. The River Otters compete in a region known for its community college athletics. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Alamance Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Graham, North Carolina 27253-8000

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,241
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,185
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,900

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission at Alamance Community College?

Community colleges like Alamance maintain open enrollment policies for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. With 99.43% of students coming from North Carolina, the school serves as an accessible entry point for local residents seeking affordable higher education or career training.

What does Alamance Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,465 annually, though costs vary by family income. In-state tuition starts at just $2,528, making this one of the most affordable college options in the region for North Carolina residents.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Alamance Community College?

Classes average 13 students per faculty member, providing more personal attention than most four-year universities. The college focuses heavily on workforce development programs and transfer preparation for students planning to continue at four-year institutions.

What are job prospects like for Alamance Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 89.5% employment rate, reflecting strong connections to local industries in the Burlington-Graham area. Median earnings reach $34,241 ten years after enrollment, competitive for two-year degree holders in rural North Carolina.

Where is Alamance Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Graham, North Carolina, a suburban community between Greensboro and Durham. With 2,393 students and women comprising 61.72% of enrollment, the college maintains a close-knit atmosphere typical of smaller community colleges.

What makes Alamance Community College unique among North Carolina community colleges?

The school's athletic teams compete as the River Otters, reflecting the area's natural waterways and outdoor recreation opportunities. Founded in 1958, Alamance has built strong partnerships with local manufacturers and healthcare providers to train workers for the regional economy.