Carteret Community College: $2,310 Tuition

$2,310Tuition

1,144Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,357Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Carteret Community College

Carteret Community College specializes in marine science and maritime programs along North Carolina's Crystal Coast. The college serves 1,144 students in the fishing town of Morehead City, where the Atlantic Ocean meets coastal waterways. Students can pursue degrees in aquaculture, marine technology, and boat building alongside traditional community college programs. The coastal setting provides direct access to research opportunities and internships with local marine industries.

Students pay an average net price of $11,889 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $2,310. Nearly all students qualify as in-state residents at 99.18%. Graduates earn a median of $33,357 ten years after enrollment, though early career earnings start lower at $22,500 after six years. The 91% employment rate shows strong job placement, but only 31.65% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. For students entering marine trades or transferring to four-year programs, the affordable tuition makes financial sense.

Women make up 67.13% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in health sciences and education programs alongside maritime studies. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 41.5% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages.

Academics & Faculty

Carteret Community College specializes in marine science and maritime programs, taking advantage of its coastal North Carolina location near working waterfronts and research facilities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means students get hands-on attention in lab courses and technical training. With 41.50% of students completing their programs within six years, the college serves both traditional students seeking transfer credits and working adults pursuing career changes. Two-thirds of the 1,144 students are women, many entering healthcare and marine science fields. The college's proximity to the Crystal Coast provides unique opportunities for aquaculture, marine biology, and boat building programs that connect directly to local industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 17.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,357

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,856
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$45,500
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$18,498
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$13,702

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Carteret Community College sits in the heart of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, where 67% of students are women drawn to programs like marine science and aquaculture. The campus serves 1,144 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that makes professors accessible. Morehead City offers fishing charters, beach access, and maritime culture year-round, though you'll need light jackets for winter since coastal temperatures rarely dip below freezing.

Nearly 100% of students commute from the surrounding coastal communities, creating a tight-knit atmosphere among locals who often know each other from high school. Weekends revolve around the water - students head to nearby Atlantic Beach or Shackleford Banks to spot wild horses. The college's maritime focus means many students work part-time at local marinas or seafood processing plants. With 91% employment rates after graduation and median earnings of $33,357, graduates often stay in the area working in marine trades, aquaculture, or coastal tourism that defines this region's economy.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 36°–56°F
July Avg: 73°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 59.0"
Annual Snowfall: -777.3"

Student Demographics

Carteret attracts students from across North Carolina who want hands-on training for coastal careers. Nearly all students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to local maritime industries. Two-thirds of students are women, drawn to programs in health sciences and business alongside the marine science offerings. More than a third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable workforce training. The student body mirrors the demographics of coastal Carolina communities, with strong local roots and practical career goals tied to the region's economy.

Men: 32.9%
Women: 67.1%
White: 74.0%
Black: 9.4%
Hispanic: 8.9%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.7%

Location

Carteret Community College sits in Morehead City, North Carolina, approximately 150 miles southeast of Raleigh. The coastal town serves as a gateway to the Crystal Coast, where commercial fishing and tourism drive the local economy. With 99.18% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from nearby coastal communities. Morehead City's working waterfront provides real-world learning opportunities for the school's well-known marine science programs. The area combines small-town charm with Atlantic Ocean access, offering beaches, fishing, and maritime culture. The town's population swells during summer tourist season, creating seasonal employment opportunities for students. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Carteret Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Morehead City, North Carolina 28557

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,357
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,714
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Carteret Community College?

As a community college, Carteret maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,144 students primarily from North Carolina, with 99.18% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students pursuing marine science careers along the Crystal Coast.

How much does Carteret Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $11,889 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $11,159 after aid, while those from higher-income families can expect to pay up to $15,726. Only 37.71% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving working adults and career changers.

What academic programs is Carteret Community College known for?

The college has built its reputation around marine science and maritime programs, taking advantage of its coastal North Carolina location. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, students get personalized attention in specialized programs. The school's proximity to the ocean makes it ideal for hands-on learning in aquaculture, marine technology, and boat building.

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

Graduates achieve a strong 91.0% employment rate, reflecting the practical nature of the college's career-focused programs. Median earnings reach $35,075 just one year after graduation and climb to $41,714 after five years. However, the 41.50% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees.

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

The campus sits in Morehead City, a small coastal town that offers a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 67.13% female enrollment, the student body skews heavily toward women, particularly in programs like marine biology and environmental science. The town-distant setting provides access to both maritime industries and recreational opportunities along the Crystal Coast.

Does Carteret Community College offer good financial aid opportunities?

Only 6.29% of students receive institutional grants, which average $7,469 when awarded. The low 0.00% federal loan rate indicates most students either pay out of pocket or rely on other funding sources. This reflects both the school's affordable $2,310 in-state tuition and its appeal to working adults who often attend part-time while employed.