Cleveland Community College: $2,602 Tuition

$2,602Tuition

1,236Students

11%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,755Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Cleveland Community College

Cleveland Community College serves 1,236 students in the foothills town of Shelby, North Carolina. The college has built a strong reputation for workforce development and technical training since opening in 1965. Students can choose from career-focused programs designed to meet local industry needs. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes. Most students come from within North Carolina, with 86% being in-state residents.

The financial picture here is strongly student-friendly. After financial aid, the average net price drops to just $414 per year. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable college options in the region. Graduates earn a median of $33,755 ten years after starting, which represents solid return on investment given the minimal upfront costs. Students from families earning $30,000-$75,000 pay around $1,100 annually after aid.

The student body skews female at 62%, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and service programs. The employment rate hits an impressive 92.7% for graduates. While the six-year graduation rate of 11% seems low, this reflects the reality that many community college students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees. The Yetis compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA.

Academics & Faculty

Cleveland Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for students in western North Carolina's foothills. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention in career-focused programs. The college emphasizes workforce development and transfer preparation, reflecting the needs of its rural setting near Charlotte. However, the 10.6% six-year graduation rate signals challenges many community college students face with balancing work and family obligations. The school offers nine varsity sports as the Yetis, unusual for a community college of this size. Students typically pursue associate degrees in fields like healthcare, business, and skilled trades before entering the workforce or transferring to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 19.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 10.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,755

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,964
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$41,565
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$33,993
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$30,771
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$21,964
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,135
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$20,596
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$18,771
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$16,663

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

Cleveland Community College sits in small-town Shelby, about 45 minutes west of Charlotte. With just 1,236 students on campus, you'll recognize faces quickly around the compact grounds. The 61.65% female student body creates a collaborative atmosphere, especially in the popular nursing and business programs.

Most students commute from nearby Cleveland County, as this is primarily a commuter campus without dormitories. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally. Between classes, students gather in the student center or grab coffee before heading to jobs or family responsibilities.

Weekends revolve around the Yetis athletic teams, with 118 student-athletes competing in nine NCCAA sports. Basketball games draw decent crowds during winter months when you'll need that jacket for North Carolina's mild but real cold snaps. The 86.26% in-state enrollment means many students already have local connections and weekend plans that extend into the broader Shelby community. Evening and weekend classes accommodate working students who make up a significant portion of the student body.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–52°F
July Avg: 65°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 4.0"

Student Demographics

Cleveland Community College draws students from across North Carolina, with 86% coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly female at 62%, reflecting the school's strong nursing and allied health programs that attract many women seeking healthcare careers. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in the rural foothills region. The diverse mix includes 68% white students and 18% Black students. Most students are local residents looking for affordable career training and college transfer options close to home.

Men: 38.4%
Women: 61.7%
White: 68.2%
Black: 18.4%
Hispanic: 5.4%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 86.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.8%

Location

Shelby sits in the foothills of western North Carolina, about 50 miles west of Charlotte. This town of roughly 20,000 people serves as the Cleveland County seat in a region known for its textile heritage and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area blends small-town charm with access to outdoor recreation, as students are within an hour's drive of hiking trails and mountain attractions. With 86% of Cleveland Community College's students coming from in-state, the campus draws heavily from the local community and surrounding rural counties. The setting offers affordable living costs that complement the college's low net price of $414 for most students. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Cleveland Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Shelby, North Carolina 28152-6224

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,755
Median Earnings (5 years): $37,871
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cleveland Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is just $414 per year, making it one of the most affordable college options in North Carolina. Most students qualify for substantial aid, with nearly 48% receiving Pell Grants and the college serving primarily working-class families in the foothills region.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Cleveland Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 across the 1,236 enrolled students. The college focuses heavily on workforce development programs like nursing, manufacturing, and automotive technology that serve the local textile and manufacturing industries.

How much do Cleveland Community College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $33,755 ten years after starting college. The college specializes in career-focused programs that prepare students for local jobs, though the 10.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face in completing degrees.

What is the campus culture like at Cleveland Community College?

Women make up 61.6% of students, and 86% come from within North Carolina. The Yetis compete in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA, creating school spirit despite the college's commuter-focused environment in small-town Shelby.

Is Cleveland Community College hard to get into?

Community colleges maintain open enrollment policies for students with high school diplomas or equivalent credentials. The college serves as an accessible entry point for first-generation college students and career changers throughout Cleveland County and the surrounding region.

Where do Cleveland Community College students find jobs after graduation?

The employment rate reaches 92.7% among graduates who enter the workforce. The college has strong ties to regional employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and public safety, reflecting its mission as a key workforce development partner in the North Carolina foothills.