About Durham Technical Community College
Durham Technical Community College has built a reputation as the Triangle's go-to training ground for technical careers. The college serves 3,195 students in Durham's bustling urban environment, focusing on workforce development programs that feed directly into the Research Triangle's booming tech and healthcare industries. Students can choose from dozens of career-focused programs ranging from nursing and dental hygiene to automotive technology and cybersecurity.
The financial equation here works strongly in students' favor. In-state students pay just $1,986 in tuition, though most pay far less after aid brings the average net price down to $1,183. Low-income families typically pay only $621 per year out of pocket. Graduates earn a median of $36,142 within ten years, while those who borrowed money leave with a manageable $14,750 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $156, making this one of the more affordable paths to a stable career.
The student body reflects Durham's diversity, with 33% Black students, 27% white students, and 23% Hispanic students. Nearly 99% come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means plenty of hands-on attention in technical labs and classrooms. With a 95% employment rate for graduates, the college delivers on its promise of job-ready training.
The financial equation here works strongly in students' favor. In-state students pay just $1,986 in tuition, though most pay far less after aid brings the average net price down to $1,183. Low-income families typically pay only $621 per year out of pocket. Graduates earn a median of $36,142 within ten years, while those who borrowed money leave with a manageable $14,750 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $156, making this one of the more affordable paths to a stable career.
The student body reflects Durham's diversity, with 33% Black students, 27% white students, and 23% Hispanic students. Nearly 99% come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio means plenty of hands-on attention in technical labs and classrooms. With a 95% employment rate for graduates, the college delivers on its promise of job-ready training.
Academics & Faculty
Durham Technical Community College specializes in technical training and workforce development programs that serve the Research Triangle's booming tech and healthcare industries. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensures hands-on instruction in programs like nursing, automotive technology, and information technology. Students get direct access to instructors who often work in their fields. The 36% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing associate degrees. Popular programs include culinary arts, welding, and medical assisting. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, with median earnings of $36,142 ten years after enrollment. The college partners with local employers to design curricula that match job market demands in Durham's growing economy.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 20.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,142
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $62,012 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,943 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $49,683 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $46,254 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,862 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Associate | $25,658 |
Campus Life
Durham Tech sits in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle, minutes from Duke University and downtown Durham's revitalized districts. With 3,195 students spread across multiple campuses, you'll find a practical, focused atmosphere where 59% of students are women and the average age skews older than traditional colleges. The 7:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know your name and career goals.
As a commuter school with no dorms, campus life revolves around class schedules and lab work rather than weekend parties. Students often grab coffee between classes at the main Durham campus or study in small groups before heading to jobs or internships. The Research Triangle's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can enjoy outdoor study spaces most of the year. Many students work in the area's tech companies, hospitals, or research facilities while attending classes. Weekend activities happen off-campus in Durham's food scene, local parks, or nearby Raleigh and Chapel Hill rather than on school grounds.
As a commuter school with no dorms, campus life revolves around class schedules and lab work rather than weekend parties. Students often grab coffee between classes at the main Durham campus or study in small groups before heading to jobs or internships. The Research Triangle's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can enjoy outdoor study spaces most of the year. Many students work in the area's tech companies, hospitals, or research facilities while attending classes. Weekend activities happen off-campus in Durham's food scene, local parks, or nearby Raleigh and Chapel Hill rather than on school grounds.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1961
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–48°F
- July Avg
- 68°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 5.2"
Student Demographics
Durham Technical draws students from across the Triangle who need practical skills for immediate career entry. Nearly all students live in North Carolina, reflecting the school's role as a local workforce pipeline. The student body skews female, typical for community colleges offering healthcare and business programs alongside traditional trades. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The diverse enrollment mirrors Durham's demographics, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside white and Asian students seeking technical certifications and associate degrees.
- Men
- 40.7%
- Women
- 59.3%
- White
- 26.0%
- Black
- 33.2%
- Hispanic
- 22.9%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.7%
Location
Durham Technical Community College sits in Durham, North Carolina, a city of 285,000 residents in the heart of the Research Triangle. The college serves 98.64% in-state students who benefit from proximity to major employers like Duke University, IBM, and dozens of biotech companies. Durham anchors one corner of the Research Triangle alongside Raleigh and Chapel Hill, creating a center for healthcare, technology, and research industries. The area offers urban amenities with reasonable living costs compared to major metropolitan areas. Students can access internships and job opportunities across multiple thriving sectors within a 30-mile radius. The region's economy has shifted from tobacco manufacturing to knowledge-based industries over recent decades. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Durham Technical Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Durham, North Carolina 27703-5023
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,142
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,499
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $24,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $156/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Durham Technical Community College?
Durham Technical Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges. The school serves 3,195 students and focuses on providing accessible technical education to the Research Triangle community.
How much does Durham Technical Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of just $1,183 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying only $621. The low-income focus shows in the school's mission to provide affordable workforce training in the expensive Research Triangle market.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Durham Technical Community College?
The college maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on instruction crucial in technical programs. This small class size supports the school's emphasis on practical skills training for local industries.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Durham Technical Community College?
Graduates achieve a 94.8% employment rate with median earnings of $36,142 after ten years. The school's strong ties to Research Triangle employers help students transition directly into technical careers in the booming regional economy.
Where do most Durham Technical Community College students come from?
Nearly 99% of students are North Carolina residents, reflecting the college's role as a local workforce development center. The diverse student body is 33% Black, 27% White, and 23% Hispanic, serving Durham's multicultural community.
Does Durham Technical Community College have a good graduation rate?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 36%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. The school prioritizes job placement over traditional graduation metrics, focusing on getting students into careers quickly.
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