Forsyth Technical Community College: $2,256 Tuition

$2,256Tuition

6,939Students

28%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,139Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Forsyth Technical Community College

Forsyth Technical Community College trains students for careers in high-demand fields across Winston-Salem's growing economy. The school serves 6,939 students with programs designed to get graduates into the workforce quickly. Technical training and workforce development programs connect directly to local industry needs. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention in hands-on learning environments.

Students pay an average of $6,342 annually after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training. In-state tuition starts at just $2,256 before aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,139 ten years after completion, while carrying only $10,000 in median debt. The return on investment proves solid for students seeking immediate entry into technical careers. Monthly loan payments average just $106 for those who borrow.

The student body reflects Winston-Salem's diversity, with 40% White, 27% Black, and 21% Hispanic students. Women make up 64% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. Nearly all students come from North Carolina, creating strong local connections. A 93% employment rate shows employers value the practical skills graduates develop. The 28% graduation rate reflects the challenge many working students face completing programs while managing other responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Forsyth Technical Community College specializes in workforce training and technical programs that prepare students for immediate employment in the Winston-Salem area. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in hands-on programs like automotive technology, nursing, and manufacturing. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct instruction from industry professionals. The college's 27.70% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer to four-year institutions. Strong programs in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades align with regional employer needs. The 93.1% employment rate demonstrates the practical value of the technical education students receive here.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 27.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,139

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,005
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$50,856
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$49,214
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$38,289
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$34,526
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$33,993
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$31,941
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$29,685
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$28,960
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$26,933

View all 84 programs →

Campus Life

Forsyth Tech serves 6,939 students in Winston-Salem, a city of 250,000 in North Carolina's Piedmont region. The college operates multiple campuses throughout the city, with most students commuting from home since this is a community college without dormitories. Nearly all students (99.32%) come from North Carolina, creating a local community feel.

Women make up 63.89% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and human services. The diverse student population is 39.65% White, 27.32% Black, and 20.80% Hispanic. With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and hands-on. Students typically balance coursework with work or family responsibilities, attending classes between shifts or during lunch breaks. Weekends often mean studying for certification exams or completing internships at local hospitals and manufacturing plants. The Piedmont's mild climate means light jackets in winter and shorts most of the year. Many students grab quick meals at food trucks between the main campus buildings or study in the library's computer labs.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1960

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Stalking	15	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	5	0
Aggravated Assault	2	1
Burglary	3	0
Dating Violence	0	2
Fondling	2	0
Domestic Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–48°F
July Avg: 69°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.2"
Annual Snowfall: 3.3"

Student Demographics

Nearly every student comes from North Carolina, reflecting Forsyth Tech's deep roots in the Winston-Salem community. Two-thirds of students are women, largely drawn to the school's strong nursing and health sciences programs. The student body is racially diverse, with significant Black and Hispanic populations that mirror the surrounding Piedmont region. About 41% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking career advancement. Students typically balance classes with jobs, attracted by technical training programs that lead directly to local employment opportunities.

Men: 36.1%
Women: 63.9%
White: 39.7%
Black: 27.3%
Hispanic: 20.8%
Asian: 1.8%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.1%

Location

Forsyth Technical Community College sits in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a city of about 250,000 people in the heart of the Piedmont Triad region. The campus is roughly 100 miles from Charlotte and 80 miles from Raleigh. Winston-Salem combines urban amenities with a strong manufacturing and healthcare presence, making it ideal for technical education. The city is famous for being the former headquarters of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Wake Forest University's original home. With 99.32% of students coming from in-state, the college serves as a local workforce development center in this mid-sized metropolitan area. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Forsyth Technical Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103-5197

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,139
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,959
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 21.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $106/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Forsyth Technical Community College?

Forsyth Technical Community College maintains open admission for most programs, welcoming students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school draws 99.32% of its students from North Carolina, serving the local Winston-Salem workforce development needs. Some competitive programs like nursing or aviation may have additional requirements beyond the standard application.

How much does Forsyth Technical Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,342 annually, with lower-income families paying less. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,030 after aid, while in-state tuition starts at only $2,256. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role in serving working-class students seeking career training.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Forsyth Technical Community College?

The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio across its technical and workforce programs. With 6,939 students enrolled, classes stay relatively small to support hands-on learning in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive technology. This personalized attention helps students master practical skills needed in Winston-Salem's industrial economy.

What are the job prospects for Forsyth Technical Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.1% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for skilled technical workers in the region. Median earnings reach $34,139 ten years after graduation, with many students entering manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation careers. The relatively low median debt of $10,000 makes the career investment manageable for most graduates.

Where is Forsyth Technical Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Winston-Salem, a large city known for its tobacco and textile history, now transitioning to healthcare and logistics industries. Women make up 63.89% of enrollment while the student body is 39.65% white, 27.32% Black, and 20.80% Hispanic. As a commuter-focused institution, campus life centers around career preparation rather than traditional college activities.

Does Forsyth Technical Community College have good graduation rates?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 27.70%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. Founded in 1960, the college prioritizes workforce readiness over traditional degree completion timelines. Many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees, making graduation rates less meaningful than employment outcomes.