Cape Fear Community College: $2,748 Tuition

$2,748Tuition

9,497Students

34%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,654Earnings

Public2-yearNAIAData: 2023-24

About Cape Fear Community College

Cape Fear Community College serves 9,497 students in Wilmington's coastal setting, drawing heavily from North Carolina's port city community. The college has built a solid reputation for workforce development programs that align with the region's maritime, healthcare, and hospitality industries. About 93% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep roots in southeastern North Carolina since its 1958 founding.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students typically pay a net price of $5,416 after aid, though this varies by income level. Low-income families pay just $3,857 while higher-income families face costs above $13,000. Graduates earn a median of $38,654 ten years out, with typical debt loads of $9,500. The employment rate hits 94.9%, suggesting strong job placement in the regional economy.

The student body skews female at 60%, typical for community colleges nationwide. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay relatively small despite the large enrollment. The Sea Devils compete in five NAIA sports with 84 total athletes. However, the 33.5% six-year graduation rate signals that many students transfer before completing their programs here, which is common at community colleges serving as stepping stones to four-year degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Cape Fear Community College serves as a gateway to higher education and workforce training in coastal North Carolina. The college enrolls 9,497 students across programs designed for both transfer preparation and direct career entry. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention that's crucial for community college success. The school is particularly known for its marine technology programs, taking advantage of Wilmington's coastal location and maritime industry. Healthcare programs including nursing and dental hygiene draw students seeking fast-track careers. The 33.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working. Cape Fear also offers strong automotive technology and culinary arts programs that connect directly to local job markets.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 32.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 33.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,654

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$72,899
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,775
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$51,273
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$41,406
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.	Associate	$39,927
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$39,648
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$38,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$34,704
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$27,222
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,874

View all 81 programs →

Campus Life

Cape Fear's campus sits in downtown Wilmington, just 20 minutes from Wrightsville Beach and the Atlantic coast. Students pack sunscreen rather than heavy coats since winter temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees. The 9,497 students commute to classes since no on-campus housing exists at this community college. Nearly 94% come from North Carolina, creating a local feel where students often know each other from high school.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors learn your name quickly in smaller classrooms. Students balance work and school since 60% are women, many returning to education after starting families or careers. Weekends revolve around Wilmington's river district and nearby beaches rather than campus activities. The Sea Devils compete in five NAIA sports with just 84 total athletes, making athletics more recreational than central to campus life. Students often transfer after completing prerequisites or earning certificates in healthcare and technical fields that connect to Wilmington's growing film industry and medical facilities.

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

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–57°F
July Avg: 73°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.9"

Student Demographics

Cape Fear Community College draws working adults and recent high school graduates from across southeastern North Carolina. About 93% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a regional workforce pipeline. The student body is 60% women, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and social services programs. The college serves a diverse population with strong representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Many students work while attending classes, balancing education with employment in Wilmington's tourism, healthcare, and port industries.

Men: 39.7%
Women: 60.3%
White: 67.5%
Black: 10.1%
Hispanic: 11.7%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 93.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.7%

Location

Cape Fear Community College sits in Wilmington, North Carolina, about 120 miles southeast of Charlotte. The coastal city offers a blend of historic charm and modern growth, with a population around 125,000 that swells during tourist season. Students enjoy access to nearby beaches along the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean coastline. The area serves as a major film production center, earning the nickname "Hollywood East" with numerous movie and TV productions. Wilmington's downtown riverfront district provides internship opportunities in business and tourism. The temperate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Cape Fear Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wilmington, North Carolina 28401-3910

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,654
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,941
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Cape Fear Community College?

Cape Fear Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The school serves 9,497 students and draws 93.47% of its enrollment from North Carolina residents. Most students use the college as a stepping stone to four-year universities or to gain practical skills for immediate employment.

How much does Cape Fear Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,416 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,857 after aid, while those earning over $110,000 pay $13,464. Only 17.66% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving working adults and part-time learners.

What are the academics like at Cape Fear Community College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in small classes. Cape Fear offers career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions. The school has built a strong reputation for healthcare, business, and technical training programs that align with Wilmington's growing economy.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Cape Fear Community College?

Graduates achieve a 94.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong job market preparation. Ten years after starting, median earnings reach $38,654, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt of $9,500. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students enter careers quickly in fields like nursing, automotive technology, and business administration.

Where is Cape Fear Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Wilmington, a mid-size coastal city known for its film industry and historic downtown. With 60.26% female enrollment, the campus reflects the demographics of students pursuing healthcare and education careers. The Sea Devils compete in five NAIA sports with 84 total athletes, though most of the 9,497 students are commuters focused on academics and work.

Does Cape Fear Community College offer good value for students seeking career training?

The college provides exceptional value with in-state tuition of just $2,748 and graduates earning a median of $44,941 within five years. Monthly loan payments average only $101, making education accessible to working adults and career changers. Cape Fear's 65-year history serving the Wilmington region has established strong employer relationships that benefit job-seeking graduates.