Central Piedmont Community College: $2,792 Tuition

$2,792Tuition

13,640Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,865Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Community College serves 13,640 students across Charlotte's sprawling metro area. The college has built a reputation as a reliable pathway to career training and university transfer programs. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention while pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The college draws 93% of its students from North Carolina, making it deeply connected to local workforce needs.

Students pay an average net price of $3,660 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable education options in Charlotte. In-state tuition runs just $2,792 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $37,865 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of $7,925. The monthly loan payment averages only $84, making the financial commitment manageable for most graduates.

The student body reflects Charlotte's diversity, with 34% white students, 29% Black students, and 20% Hispanic students. Women make up 57% of enrollment. The 26% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges, where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. An impressive 92% employment rate shows graduates successfully enter the workforce.

Academics & Faculty

Central Piedmont Community College serves as Charlotte's workforce development center, training students for the region's booming banking, healthcare, and technology sectors. The college enrolls 13,640 students across programs designed to get graduates employed quickly. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. The school excels in nursing, automotive technology, and culinary arts programs that connect directly to Charlotte's job market. However, only 26.4% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the reality that many attend part-time while working. Graduates who do finish earn a median of $37,865 after ten years, solid returns for the low debt load of $7,925.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,865

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,594
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$51,273
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$51,106
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$49,227
Marketing.	Associate	$44,170
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$42,044
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$41,937
Legal Support Services.	Certificate	$39,153
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$38,721
Human Resources Management and Services.	Associate	$38,289

View all 102 programs →

Campus Life

Central Piedmont spreads across multiple campuses throughout Charlotte, with the main campus sitting in the heart of North Carolina's largest city. Students navigate between modern buildings and industry-specific training centers that serve the region's banking and healthcare sectors. With 92.88% of students from in-state, you'll mostly meet locals who commute from around the Charlotte metro area.

The campus buzzes with working adults and recent high school graduates juggling classes with jobs. Charlotte's mild climate means light jackets in winter and plenty of air conditioning in summer. Most students drive to campus since there's no traditional dorm life. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio keeps classes manageable, though many students attend part-time around work schedules. Weekends often mean catching up on coursework or working, as Central Piedmont serves a practical-minded student body focused on career training. The school's strong connections to Charlotte's business community mean networking happens through internships and industry partnerships rather than campus social events. Students appreciate the school's reputation for job placement in the booming Charlotte economy.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Robbery	1	1
Dating Violence	1	0
Domestic Violence	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–52°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.6"
Annual Snowfall: 3.5"

Student Demographics

Central Piedmont draws working adults and career-changers from across Charlotte's diverse metro area. Nearly 93% of students come from North Carolina, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce pipeline. The student body is 57% women, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and business programs attract female students. With 39% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves as an affordable entry point for first-generation and lower-income students. The racial diversity mirrors Charlotte itself, with significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students seeking practical skills training.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.6%
White: 34.0%
Black: 28.9%
Hispanic: 19.7%
Asian: 4.4%
In-State Students: 92.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.7%

Location

Central Piedmont Community College sits in Charlotte, North Carolina's financial district. Charlotte ranks as the nation's second-largest banking center and home to 874,000 residents. The campus spans multiple locations throughout this major metropolitan area. Students access internships and jobs across Charlotte's booming finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. The school draws 92.88% of its students from North Carolina. Charlotte's rapid growth has created a diverse urban environment where 34% of students are White, 28.93% are Black, and 19.68% are Hispanic. The city offers professional sports teams, cultural attractions, and a thriving job market that employs 92.2% of graduates. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Central Piedmont Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Charlotte, North Carolina 28204

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,865
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,829
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 30.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $84/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $7,925

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Central Piedmont Community College?

Central Piedmont maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 13,640 students who come primarily from North Carolina, with 92.88% being in-state residents. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for Charlotte-area students seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does Central Piedmont Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,660 annually, making it one of the most affordable options in North Carolina. In-state tuition runs just $2,792 per year, while 38.68% of students receive Pell Grant support. Graduates typically leave with only $7,925 in median debt and monthly loan payments of just $84.

What academic programs is Central Piedmont Community College known for?

The college offers strong workforce development programs that align with Charlotte's growing economy, particularly in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The semester-based calendar system allows for flexible scheduling options that accommodate working adults.

What are the job prospects for Central Piedmont Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92.2% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on career-ready training programs. Median earnings reach $37,865 within ten years of graduation, which is competitive for associate degree holders. The college's location in Charlotte provides access to one of the Southeast's major job markets.

What is the campus environment like at Central Piedmont Community College?

The student body of 13,640 reflects Charlotte's diversity, with 34% White, 28.93% Black, and 19.68% Hispanic students. Women make up 56.55% of enrollment, which is typical for community colleges nationwide. Multiple campus locations throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area serve students from various neighborhoods and backgrounds.

Does Central Piedmont Community College have a strong graduation rate?

The college reports a 26.40% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their programs. This rate is fairly typical for large urban community colleges that serve diverse student populations. Many students successfully transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with certificates before formally graduating.