Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

$2,537Tuition

2,331Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,515Earnings

Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Caldwell Community College serves 2,331 students in the foothills of western North Carolina, focusing on workforce development and transfer preparation. The college has built its reputation around technical training programs that directly feed into the region's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Students can pursue associate degrees or certificate programs designed to get them into the job market quickly. The Hudson campus sits in a midsize suburban setting that gives students access to both outdoor recreation and regional employers.

Students pay an average net price of $5,517 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in North Carolina. In-state tuition runs just $2,537 before aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,515 ten years after starting, with typical student debt of $8,750. The monthly loan payment averages only $93, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates. Low-income students pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 paying a net price of $4,700.

Women make up nearly 65% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. The 92.7% employment rate shows that employers value Caldwell's practical training approach. With 98% of students coming from North Carolina, this is clearly a local institution serving its regional community.

Academics & Faculty

Caldwell Community College focuses on workforce development and technical training for western North Carolina. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors in hands-on programs. Students can pursue associate degrees or certificates in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and welding. The 39.8% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. Nearly all students (98.35%) come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The college emphasizes practical skills that connect directly to local job markets. Women make up 64.95% of enrollment, partly due to strong healthcare and business programs that attract female students seeking career changes.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,515

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,717
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$47,260
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$37,928
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$33,138
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$28,816
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$26,353
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,982
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$19,045
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$17,595
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$11,434

View all 51 programs →

Campus Life

Hudson sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 45 minutes northwest of Charlotte. You'll need a winter coat for the mountain chill, though summers stay comfortable compared to the rest of North Carolina. With 2,331 students spread across a commuter campus, most of your classmates drive in from nearby towns. Nearly all students live off-campus since this is primarily a commuter school.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, especially in technical programs that train students for local manufacturing and healthcare jobs. Women make up 65% of the student body, reflecting strong nursing and business programs. With 98% of students coming from in-state, you'll find a tight-knit North Carolina community. Weekends often involve outdoor activities in the nearby mountains or trips to Charlotte for bigger city attractions. The four NJCAA sports teams draw modest crowds, but social life centers more around study groups and local hangouts than campus events. Most students balance classes with work or family responsibilities.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–49°F
July Avg: 66°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.7"
Annual Snowfall: 4.1"

Student Demographics

Caldwell draws almost entirely from North Carolina, with 98% of students coming from in-state. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health sciences and early childhood education programs. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families in the western North Carolina foothills. The college has built a solid reputation among local high school counselors and employers who know graduates are job-ready. Most students commute from nearby towns like Lenoir and Morganton.

Men: 35.1%
Women: 65.0%
White: 76.5%
Black: 5.7%
Hispanic: 9.2%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 98.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.1%

Location

Hudson sits in the foothills of western North Carolina, about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte. The area blends small-town charm with proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and outdoor recreation opportunities. With 98.35% of students coming from in-state, the college serves the local Caldwell County community and surrounding region. The setting offers a quieter alternative to urban campuses while maintaining access to larger cities. Students can enjoy hiking trails, mountain scenery, and a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller North Carolina towns. The suburban-midsize setting provides a balance between rural isolation and big-city distractions. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hudson, North Carolina 28638

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,515
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,825
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 24.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $93/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute?

As an open-access community college, Caldwell accepts virtually all applicants who meet basic eligibility requirements. The school enrolls 2,331 students and serves as a gateway to higher education for residents across western North Carolina. Students primarily use the college as a stepping stone to four-year universities or to gain technical skills for immediate employment.

How much does Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,517 annually after all aid is considered. In-state tuition runs just $2,537, making it highly affordable for North Carolina residents who comprise 98.35% of the student body. Low-income students earning under $30,000 pay only $4,700 net price, while those earning $30-48,000 pay $5,543.

What academic programs is Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute known for?

The college specializes in technical training programs alongside traditional associate degrees. Students enjoy small class sizes with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in hands-on career programs. The school focuses on preparing students for immediate employment in regional industries or transfer to four-year institutions.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute?

Graduates achieve a strong 92.7% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. Ten years after enrollment, median earnings reach $34,515, while recent graduates earn $34,593 in their first year post-graduation. The college's technical programs align closely with regional job market demands in western North Carolina.

Where is Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Hudson, North Carolina, a suburban community in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 2,331 students and women comprising 64.95% of enrollment, the college maintains a close-knit community atmosphere. The school fields four NJCAA varsity sports teams with 78 total athletes, though athletic scholarships are not offered.

Does Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute offer good value for students with limited financial resources?

The college provides exceptional value with median student debt of just $8,750 and monthly loan payments averaging only $93. However, only 29.14% of students receive federal financial aid, and the federal loan rate is 0.00%, indicating most students can afford attendance without borrowing. The low 24.70% loan repayment rate reflects the minimal debt burden most graduates carry.