About College of the Albemarle
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. In-state students pay $2,249 in tuition, though the average net price reaches $4,751 after factoring in living costs. Graduates earn a median of $33,234 ten years after starting, which provides decent returns on a modest investment. Only 18.76% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who fall just above poverty thresholds. The 24.10% loan repayment rate indicates some graduates struggle with debt burdens.
Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body at 65.93%, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences programs. Almost all students come from North Carolina, with 96.58% claiming in-state residency. The 39% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students juggle work and family responsibilities alongside their studies.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 25.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,234
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,315 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Certificate | $16,820 |
Campus Life
Nearly 97% of students come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community where classmates often grew up in nearby coastal towns. Women make up 66% of enrollment, and the student body is predominantly working adults juggling classes with jobs or family responsibilities. You'll need a light jacket for winter since coastal North Carolina stays mild year-round, though summers get humid enough to make you appreciate air conditioning.
Most students commute from home or nearby apartments since this is a community college without traditional dorms. Weekend social life revolves around Elizabeth City's downtown waterfront area or trips to the Outer Banks beaches an hour away. Study groups often meet at local coffee shops, and many students work part-time at the nearby Coast Guard base or in Elizabeth City's small business district.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1960
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–53°F
- July Avg
- 72°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.1%
- Women
- 65.9%
- White
- 61.5%
- Black
- 14.7%
- Hispanic
- 7.9%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 96.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.8%
Location
- Address
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27906-2327
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,234
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $33,735
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $22,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process like at College of the Albemarle?
College of the Albemarle operates as an open-access community college, meaning students can enroll without strict admission requirements. The school maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,271 enrolled students. This approach reflects the community college mission of serving local residents seeking career training or transfer preparation.
How much does College of the Albemarle cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,751 annually, with in-state tuition at just $2,249. For the lowest-income families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to $3,667 per year. Only 18.76% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low base tuition costs.
What academic programs is College of the Albemarle known for?
The college serves as a regional center for workforce development and transfer education in northeastern North Carolina. With 96.58% of students coming from in-state, the school focuses on meeting local employment needs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention in career and technical programs.
What career outcomes do College of the Albemarle graduates achieve?
Graduates earn a median salary of $33,234 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 86.9% employment rate. The 39% six-year graduation rate reflects the part-time nature of many community college students who balance work and family obligations. Career-focused programs prepare students for immediate entry into the regional job market.
Where is College of the Albemarle located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Elizabeth City, a historic town in northeastern North Carolina near the Outer Banks. Women make up 65.93% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. The Dolphins compete in athletics while serving a diverse population that includes 14.71% Black and 7.87% Hispanic students.
Does College of the Albemarle offer good value for students with limited income?
The school provides exceptional affordability with no federal loan debt reported among students. Founded in 1960, it has maintained its mission of accessible education with net costs under $8,000 even for families earning up to $110,000. The low 24.10% loan repayment rate indicates minimal student debt burden.
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