Blue Ridge Community College: $2,660 Tuition

$2,660Tuition

1,788Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,324Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Blue Ridge Community College

Blue Ridge Community College serves the foothills of western North Carolina with practical career training and transfer programs. The college enrolls 1,788 students in a large suburban setting near Asheville. Students here focus on getting job-ready skills in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and can provide hands-on guidance.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $8,829 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $2,660. Graduates earn a median of $36,324 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $12,000 manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $127. Low-income students pay around $7,084 net, making this one of the most affordable paths to career advancement in the region.

Women make up 64% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in nursing and other health programs. Nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Bears compete in athletics, though most students are focused on getting through their programs quickly. With an 88% employment rate, graduates typically land jobs soon after completing their certificates or associate degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Blue Ridge Community College serves the foothills of North Carolina with practical career training and transfer preparation. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes typical of community colleges. With a 37.7% graduation rate, the school focuses on getting students job-ready quickly rather than four-year completion. The college emphasizes hands-on programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that match the region's employer needs. Nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit campus community. The Bears compete in intramurals while students balance work and family commitments common at two-year institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 25.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,324

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$49,855
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$26,353
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,596
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$18,771

View all 74 programs →

Campus Life

Blue Ridge Community College sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 30 miles south of Asheville. With 1,788 students spread across a suburban campus, you'll find plenty of parking and breathing room between classes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, not just your student ID number.

Nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community feel. Women make up 64% of the student body, and many are working adults balancing careers with coursework. Since this is a commuter campus, weekends often mean heading home or working part-time jobs rather than campus parties. The surrounding area offers hiking trails and mountain views that require a decent winter coat from December through February. Students often grab lunch between classes at local spots in Flat Rock or drive to nearby Hendersonville for shopping and dining. The Bears don't have dormitories, so your daily routine involves driving to campus, attending classes in smaller buildings scattered across the grounds, then heading back to work or home.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–48°F
July Avg: 63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 59.1"
Annual Snowfall: 6.7"

Student Demographics

Blue Ridge Community College draws primarily from western North Carolina, with nearly 99% of students coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly female at 64%, reflecting the college's strong nursing and allied health programs that traditionally attract more women. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in the region. The school has built a solid local reputation as an affordable stepping stone to four-year degrees or direct entry into healthcare and technical careers.

Men: 36.0%
Women: 64.0%
White: 71.0%
Black: 5.3%
Hispanic: 15.4%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 98.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.8%

Location

Blue Ridge Community College sits in Flat Rock, North Carolina, about 25 miles south of Asheville in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The college draws 98.69% of its students from within North Carolina, reflecting its strong local roots. Flat Rock combines small-town charm with proximity to outdoor recreation, hiking trails, and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The area attracts retirees and tourists seeking mountain living without big-city costs. With 1,788 students, the college serves as an educational anchor in Henderson County's growing suburban landscape. The region offers seasonal employment in tourism and hospitality alongside traditional mountain industries. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Blue Ridge Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Flat Rock, North Carolina 28731-4728

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,324
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,906
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Blue Ridge Community College?

Blue Ridge Community College has an open admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges, meaning they accept all applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 1,788 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Blue Ridge Mountains region. The school particularly focuses on serving local residents, with 98.69% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Blue Ridge Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,829 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,084 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $11,138. The college keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at only $2,660 per year.

What academic programs is Blue Ridge Community College known for?

Blue Ridge Community College maintains a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, allowing for personalized attention in their career-focused programs. The college emphasizes workforce development and transfer preparation, serving the economic needs of western North Carolina's mountain communities. Their Bears athletics program adds to campus life despite the college's primarily commuter student body.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Blue Ridge Community College?

The college has a 37.70% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. Graduates achieve an 88.0% employment rate with median earnings of $36,324 ten years after enrollment. Monthly loan payments average just $127, making the education investment manageable for most students.

Where is Blue Ridge Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Flat Rock, North Carolina, a large suburban community in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. With 63.98% female enrollment, the student body reflects typical community college demographics focused on career advancement and family support. The location provides access to both outdoor recreation and the cultural attractions of nearby Asheville.

Does Blue Ridge Community College provide good value for working adults?

Only 4.57% of students take federal loans, indicating most can afford the education without significant borrowing. The median debt of $12,000 is remarkably low compared to four-year institutions, while graduates see immediate earnings with first-year median income at $37,784. This combination makes the college particularly attractive for adults seeking career changes or skill advancement.