Brunswick Community College: $2,532 Tuition

$2,532Tuition

1,124Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,668Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Brunswick Community College

Brunswick Community College serves the coastal communities of southeastern North Carolina with practical career training and college transfer pathways. The 1,124 students attend classes in Bolivia, a rural town that reflects the college's focus on local workforce needs. Women make up 61.65% of the student body, typical for a community college emphasizing healthcare and human services programs. The Dolphins compete in four NCCAA sports with 80 total athletes.

Students pay an average net price of $8,785 after aid, making this one of the more affordable community college options in North Carolina. In-state tuition costs just $2,532 before financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $36,668 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid value for a two-year investment. Only 32.12% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who don't qualify for federal aid but still need affordable education options.

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personal attention in small classes. About 85.58% of students come from North Carolina, reinforcing the school's role as a local institution. With a 94.4% employment rate among graduates, Brunswick successfully connects students to jobs in the regional economy along the Cape Fear coast.

Academics & Faculty

Brunswick Community College serves southeastern North Carolina with practical career training and university transfer pathways. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes, though the 46% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family commitments. The college focuses on workforce development programs that align with the coastal economy, including marine technology, nursing, and business administration. Students can complete associate degrees for transfer to four-year universities or earn certificates in high-demand fields like welding and automotive technology. The semester system allows flexibility for working adults, and 94% of graduates find employment within their field of study.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 21.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,668

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$58,673
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$35,420
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$28,960
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,052
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$19,045
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$13,702

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Brunswick Community College sits in Bolivia, a small coastal town about 30 miles north of Wilmington. The campus serves 1,124 students in a rural setting where Spanish moss drapes the trees and humidity defines most of the year. Students need sunscreen more than winter coats, though light jackets work for the mild winter months. The college operates as a commuter campus with no dormitories, so students drive from surrounding Brunswick County communities.

Women make up 61.65% of the student body, and most students juggle classes with work or family responsibilities. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Weekends often involve heading to nearby beaches like Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach, just 20 minutes away. The Dolphins compete in four varsity sports with 80 total athletes, creating a modest but tight-knit athletic community. Students frequently gather in the student center between classes, and many participate in clubs related to their career programs. The semester system allows for traditional college rhythms despite the commuter nature.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1979

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–55°F
July Avg: 73°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.9"

Student Demographics

Brunswick Community College draws students from across southeastern North Carolina's coastal communities, with 86% coming from in-state. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's popular nursing and healthcare programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The Dolphins attract local high school graduates alongside older adults returning to education for job retraining. Students typically choose Brunswick for its hands-on technical programs and seamless transfer pathways to four-year universities.

Men: 38.4%
Women: 61.7%
White: 69.3%
Black: 12.9%
Hispanic: 9.3%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 85.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.1%

Location

Brunswick Community College sits in Bolivia, North Carolina, roughly 30 miles northwest of Wilmington. The campus serves the rural coastal region of southeastern North Carolina, where 85.58% of students come from in-state. Bolivia lies inland from the popular beach communities of Oak Island and Southport, giving students access to both small-town atmosphere and coastal recreation. The area combines working waterfront communities with growing retirement populations. With just 1,124 students, the college maintains strong ties to local industries including marine trades and healthcare services. The rural-distant setting means students often commute from surrounding Brunswick County communities. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Brunswick Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bolivia, North Carolina 28422-9021

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,668
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,714
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Brunswick Community College?

As an open-enrollment community college, Brunswick Community College accepts all students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,124 students in southeastern North Carolina with a focus on providing accessible education for career training and university transfer.

How much does Brunswick Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,785 annually at Brunswick Community College. In-state tuition runs just $2,532 while out-of-state students pay $8,676, making it an affordable option for coastal North Carolina residents.

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

Brunswick Community College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The college emphasizes hands-on training for industries like healthcare, automotive technology, and marine trades that serve the coastal economy.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Brunswick Community College?

Graduates achieve a 94.4% employment rate with median earnings of $36,668 ten years after enrollment. The college's strong industry partnerships in southeastern North Carolina help students transition directly into local healthcare facilities, marine businesses, and technical companies.

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

The campus sits in Bolivia, North Carolina, a rural area near the coast with 85.58% of students coming from in-state. Women make up 61.65% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's popular nursing and health science programs.

Does Brunswick Community College have sports teams?

The Dolphins compete in 4 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 80 total athletes. The college awards $48,038 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small coastal community to continue competing while earning their degrees.