Bladen Community College: $2,558 Tuition

$2,558Tuition

880Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,591Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Bladen Community College

Bladen Community College serves as southeastern North Carolina's primary pathway to both workforce training and four-year transfer programs. The college enrolls 880 students in a rural setting that reflects the agricultural and manufacturing heritage of the region. Students benefit from an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in technical programs and college transfer courses. The Eagles have built a reputation for connecting classroom learning with hands-on experience in fields like nursing, welding, and business technology.

Students pay an average net price of $7,858 after financial aid, with 67% receiving Pell Grants that help cover costs. Graduates earn a median of $30,591 ten years after enrollment, though recent graduates see higher starting salaries at $53,830 one year out. The low loan repayment rate of 15% suggests many students struggle with debt relative to their earnings. In-state tuition starts at just $2,558 before aid, making it an affordable option for local families.

The student body reflects the surrounding community with nearly 40% white students and 26% Black students. Women make up 67% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. With a 92.8% employment rate, most graduates find work quickly, though the 31% six-year completion rate indicates many students take longer paths or leave before finishing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Bladen Community College focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation for students in rural southeastern North Carolina. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes, though the 31% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities. Two-thirds of students receive financial aid, highlighting the college's role serving working-class families. The school emphasizes practical training programs that prepare graduates for local industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Academic offerings include both career-focused certificates and associate degrees designed for transfer to four-year universities. With 880 students, everyone knows their instructors personally.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 52.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,591

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,234
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$32,382
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$22,766
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,140
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$20,140

View all 28 programs →

Campus Life

Two-thirds of students are women, making this a place where many come to start healthcare and education careers before transferring to four-year schools. The 880-student campus sits in rural Dublin, about an hour from Fayetteville and two hours from Raleigh. Students commute from across Bladen County's farming communities and small towns. North Carolina's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket in winter but can expect warm, humid summers.

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school feel where professors know your name. Most students work while attending classes, reflected in the 92.8% employment rate. Since there's no on-campus housing, weekends typically mean heading home to family or picking up extra shifts at work. The campus serves as a stepping stone rather than a social center. Students often gather in study groups between classes or connect through workforce training programs in nursing, welding, and automotive technology. The rural setting means entertainment options are limited, but the close-knit community creates lasting connections among classmates.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–54°F
July Avg: 70°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.3"
Annual Snowfall: 1.2"

Student Demographics

Bladen Community College draws students from across southeastern North Carolina's rural communities, with enrollment reaching 880. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families seeking affordable education. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, typical for community colleges emphasizing healthcare and human services training. The diverse racial makeup mirrors the region's changing demographics. Most students work while attending classes, balancing family responsibilities with career preparation. The college serves as an economic ladder for first-generation college students in this agricultural region.

Men: 32.6%
Women: 67.4%
White: 39.9%
Black: 25.6%
Hispanic: 14.0%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 67.1%

Location

Bladen Community College sits in Dublin, North Carolina, roughly 90 miles southeast of Raleigh in the state's rural Coastal Plain region. The college serves 880 students in a sparsely populated area known for agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing. Dublin operates as a small town surrounded by farmland and pine forests typical of southeastern North Carolina. The region lies between the Cape Fear River valley and the South Carolina border. With 100% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from nearby rural communities that lack easy access to higher education. The area offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Bladen Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dublin, North Carolina 28332

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,591
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,869
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 15.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bladen Community College?

As a public community college, Bladen Community College maintains an open admission policy for students seeking workforce training and transfer programs. The college serves 880 students in rural southeastern North Carolina with a focus on accessibility rather than selective admissions. This approach allows local residents to pursue career training and college transfer opportunities regardless of prior academic performance.

How much does Bladen Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Bladen Community College pay an average net price of $7,858 annually, with 67% receiving financial aid. In-state tuition starts at just $2,558, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in North Carolina. The college's low costs reflect its mission to provide accessible workforce training to rural communities.

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

Bladen Community College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small class settings. This intimate learning environment supports students transitioning into workforce programs or preparing for four-year transfers. The small ratio reflects the college's commitment to hands-on training and individualized support for rural students.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Bladen Community College?

Bladen Community College achieves a 31% six-year graduation rate with an impressive 92.8% employment rate for graduates. Median earnings reach $30,591 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical workforce training. These outcomes demonstrate the college's effectiveness in preparing students for immediate employment in southeastern North Carolina's economy.

Where is Bladen Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Dublin, North Carolina, serving a rural-distant community in the southeastern part of the state. With 880 students and a 67% female enrollment, the campus maintains a close-knit atmosphere typical of small-town community colleges. The rural setting provides a focused learning environment away from urban distractions.

Does Bladen Community College serve a diverse student population?

The student body at Bladen Community College reflects the demographics of rural southeastern North Carolina, with 40% White students, 26% Black students, and 14% Hispanic students. All enrolled students are in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community college experience. This local focus allows the college to tailor programs specifically to regional workforce needs and cultural considerations.