Catawba Valley Community College: $2,367 Tuition

$2,367Tuition

3,517Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,977Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Catawba Valley Community College

Catawba Valley Community College serves 3,517 students in Hickory, a small city in the foothills of western North Carolina. The school has been training students for local jobs since 1958, with strong programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that match the region's economy. Students here typically want practical training they can use immediately, whether they're starting college right after high school or returning to learn new skills.

The financial picture makes sense for most students. In-state tuition costs $2,367, and after aid, students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $8,728 annually. Graduates who go straight to work earn a median of $33,668 in their first year, climbing to $44,055 after five years. With typical debt of just $4,938 and monthly loan payments around $52, most students can manage their loans easily. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students.

Nearly all students (98%) come from North Carolina, creating a tight community where everyone understands the local job market. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. The Red Hawks compete in six sports through the NCCAA, though most students focus on getting their degree and finding work quickly.

Academics & Faculty

Catawba Valley Community College focuses on career training and transfer programs that prepare students for jobs in North Carolina's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know students by name and can provide hands-on help with technical skills. Popular programs include nursing, welding, automotive technology, and business administration, which connect directly to employers in the Hickory area. The 35.6% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their degree. Students here typically choose practical majors that lead to immediate employment or smooth transfer to four-year universities within the North Carolina system.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 21.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,977

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$47,963
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$44,869
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$42,930
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$28,236
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$27,476
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$27,155
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$25,194
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,679
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$14,627

View all 60 programs →

Campus Life

Catawba Valley Community College sits in Hickory, a small city of about 40,000 people in western North Carolina's foothills. You're about 60 miles northwest of Charlotte, making it easy to reach the big city for internships or entertainment. The Blue Ridge Mountains rise just to the west, perfect for hiking when you need a break from classes. Winters require a jacket and occasionally see snow, while summers get hot and humid.

As a community college, CVCC has no dorms, so all 3,517 students commute from home or nearby apartments. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know your name. With 98% of students from North Carolina, you'll mostly meet people from the local area. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, since 32.53% receive Pell Grants and need to support themselves. Weekends often involve jobs, family time, or heading to Charlotte for bigger city activities. The Red Hawks compete in 6 varsity sports with 127 total athletes, but athletics take a backseat to academics and career preparation at this practical, no-frills school.

Setting: City-Small
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
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–49°F
July Avg: 68°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.3"

Student Demographics

The student body at Catawba Valley Community College reflects the working families of western North Carolina. With 98% of students coming from in-state, this school serves as the local pathway to career training and college transfer for the Hickory area. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of making higher education affordable for families who might not otherwise afford it. The nearly even gender split of 53% women and 47% men suggests balanced enrollment across both traditional transfer programs and technical training fields.

Men: 46.9%
Women: 53.1%
White: 61.5%
Black: 6.2%
Hispanic: 18.6%
Asian: 7.1%
In-State Students: 98.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.5%

Location

Catawba Valley Community College sits in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of about 40,000 people in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The campus is roughly 60 miles northwest of Charlotte, making it accessible to North Carolina's largest metro area while maintaining a smaller city feel. Hickory has a strong manufacturing history, particularly in furniture and textiles, which connects well with the college's career-focused programs. The area offers outdoor recreation with nearby hiking trails and lakes, plus the cultural amenities of a mid-sized city. With 98.05% of students coming from in-state, the college clearly serves its local region. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Catawba Valley Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Hickory, North Carolina 28602-0699

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,977
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,055
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $52/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $4,938

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements like at Catawba Valley Community College?

Catawba Valley Community College maintains an open-door policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The school serves 3,517 students with 98.05% coming from North Carolina. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local residents seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does Catawba Valley Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,415 annually, with in-state tuition at just $2,367. About 32.53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant need-based aid. Graduates leave with a median debt of only $4,938, making monthly loan payments of $52.

What is the academic experience like at Catawba Valley Community College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in classes. CVCC operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on workforce development programs. The school has built strong partnerships with local manufacturers and healthcare systems in the Hickory area.

What kind of career outcomes do Catawba Valley Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $36,977 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 94.1% employment rate. The college's 35.60% six-year graduation rate reflects its mission serving working adults and part-time students. Many graduates transfer to four-year universities or enter skilled trades in the region's manufacturing sector.

Where is Catawba Valley Community College located and what's the campus like?

The main campus sits in Hickory, a small city in western North Carolina known for its furniture manufacturing heritage. With 127 total athletes competing in 6 varsity sports as the Red Hawks, the college maintains a modest but active athletic presence. The campus serves the broader Catawba Valley region's educational and workforce needs.

Does Catawba Valley Community College offer strong support for working students?

The college's flexible scheduling and evening programs cater to the 53.14% female and 46.86% male student body, many of whom work while attending. Only 4.44% receive institutional grants averaging $7,137, but the low tuition keeps education accessible. The semester calendar system allows students to balance work, family, and educational commitments effectively.