Gaston College: $3,186 Tuition

$3,186Tuition

3,359Students

51%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$35,386Earnings

#24 in North CarolinaPublic2-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Gaston College

Gaston College serves the Charlotte metro area as a practical launching pad for students seeking career training and transfer opportunities. The college enrolls 3,359 students on its suburban Dallas campus, drawing almost exclusively from North Carolina with 99.2% in-state enrollment. Students come here for hands-on programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and business that connect directly to regional job markets.

The financial picture looks solid for most families. Students typically pay $5,752 after aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education. Graduates earn a median of $35,386 ten years out, though the 50.7% six-year completion rate means half the students don't finish their programs. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to $5,170, while even high-income families pay just $5,166 after institutional aid.

The student body skews female at 65.3% and reflects the region's diversity with 50.6% white students, 18.7% Black students, and 10.9% Hispanic students. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and 95.1% employment rate for graduates, Gaston delivers on its promise of practical education. The college fields five NJCAA sports teams with 91 total athletes competing for $206,454 in athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

Gaston College serves as a full community college offering career-focused programs and transfer pathways. The school maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in smaller classroom settings. With a 50.7% six-year graduation rate, the college supports students through both associate degree programs and workforce training certificates. The institution emphasizes practical skills development in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for immediate employment or seamless transfer to four-year universities. The college's strong ties to local industries create internship and job placement opportunities. Only 8.16% of students receive institutional grants, reflecting the school's already affordable tuition structure for North Carolina residents.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $35,386

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,262
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$41,295
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$28,960
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$27,126
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$25,967
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$24,532
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$23,869
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$23,803
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$20,687
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,891

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Gaston College sits in Dallas, North Carolina, about 25 miles west of Charlotte. With 3,359 students spread across a suburban campus, you'll find a close-knit community where 65% of students are women. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket in winter but plenty of sunscreen for outdoor activities between classes.

Nearly all students (99.2%) come from in-state, creating a familiar atmosphere where you might run into high school classmates. Since this is a commuter college without dorms, most students drive to campus for classes then head to jobs or family responsibilities. The 91 student-athletes across five sports create some school spirit, though weekend life typically happens off-campus. Students often gather at nearby Lake Wylie or drive into Charlotte for entertainment. The strong ties to local industry mean many classmates are working adults advancing their careers while earning degrees. Campus feels busy during the day but quiets down by evening.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–52°F
July Avg: 70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.0"
Annual Snowfall: 1.2"

Student Demographics

Gaston College draws heavily from the Charlotte metro area, with 99% of students coming from North Carolina. The student body is predominantly women at 65%, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services that traditionally attract female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families in Gaston County. The diverse student mix includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. Most students are local residents seeking practical career training or transferable credits close to home.

Men: 34.7%
Women: 65.3%
White: 50.6%
Black: 18.7%
Hispanic: 10.9%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.1%

Location

Gaston College sits in Dallas, North Carolina, about 30 miles west of Charlotte. The campus serves a suburban area in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nearly all students come from within North Carolina, with 99.20% classified as in-state residents. The region blends small-town charm with proximity to Charlotte's job market and cultural opportunities. Dallas itself remains a quiet community where students can focus on their studies without big-city distractions. The location offers easy access to both mountain recreation and urban internships. The college draws heavily from Gaston County and surrounding areas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Gaston College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dallas, North Carolina 28034

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $35,386
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,593
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Gaston College?

Gaston College maintains an open admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges. The school enrolls 3,359 students with 99.20% coming from in-state. Students can begin their college journey here regardless of their high school academic performance.

How much does Gaston College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Gaston College is $5,752 annually. In-state tuition runs $3,186 while out-of-state students pay $9,330. About 26.11% of students receive Pell Grants, making this an affordable option for working-class families in the Charlotte region.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gaston College?

Gaston College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in career-focused programs. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive technology. Small class sizes help students master practical skills needed for immediate employment.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Gaston College?

Graduates achieve a 95.1% employment rate with median earnings of $35,386 ten years after enrollment. The school's 50.70% six-year graduation rate reflects its role as a stepping stone for students balancing work and family obligations. Many graduates enter North Carolina's growing manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Where is Gaston College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Dallas, North Carolina, a midsize suburban community near Charlotte. Women make up 65.29% of the student body, typical for community colleges with strong nursing and allied health programs. The campus serves a diverse population with 50.61% white students, 18.70% Black students, and 10.90% Hispanic students.

Does Gaston College offer athletic scholarships?

The college competes in NJCAA athletics with 5 varsity sports and 91 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $206,454 across all sports programs. The modest athletic program reflects the school's focus on academics and workforce preparation rather than big-time college sports.