Johnston Community College: $2,657 Tuition

$2,657Tuition

2,998Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,310Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Johnston Community College

Johnston Community College builds careers through hands-on workforce programs and university transfer pathways that serve nearly 3,000 students in rural Johnston County. The college operates on a small-town scale with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that creates close mentoring relationships. Students here focus on practical skills training for local industries and preparing to transfer to four-year universities across North Carolina.

The financial picture works in students' favor. Most students pay around $3,946 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in the state. Graduates earn a median of $37,310 ten years after starting, which represents solid return on investment for a two-year degree. The college keeps costs low while maintaining strong job placement rates at 94.6% for graduates entering the workforce.

The student body reflects the changing demographics of rural North Carolina, with 57% white students, 21% Hispanic students, and 16% Black students. Nearly all students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Jaguars field just two varsity sports with only 14 total athletes, but the college focuses resources on academic and career preparation rather than athletics. Women make up 64% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide.

Academics & Faculty

Johnston Community College focuses on workforce development and university transfer programs that serve the economic needs of Johnston County. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in career-focused programs like nursing, welding, and business administration. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. The college operates as a stepping stone, with many students using transfer pathways to four-year universities across North Carolina. However, only 29% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face while balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities. The college emphasizes practical skills training that connects directly to local industry demands.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 28.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,310

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	$49,597
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$37,208
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$29,685
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$29,250
Legal Support Services.	Associate	$27,295
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$27,222
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$24,421
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$22,329
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$16,834

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Johnston Community College draws students primarily from the surrounding rural counties, with 99.61% coming from in-state. The Smithfield campus sits about 30 miles southeast of Raleigh, giving students access to North Carolina's capital while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. You'll need both a winter coat for January lows around 30°F and sunscreen for humid summer days that can reach the 90s.

Since this is a commuter college without dormitories, students typically live at home or in nearby apartments. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes where professors know your name. Women make up 63.74% of the enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and early childhood education programs. With just 14 total athletes across 2 varsity sports, most students focus on academics and work rather than campus athletics. Weekends often involve part-time jobs or family time rather than college parties. The 94.6% employment rate suggests many students balance coursework with careers, creating a practical, goal-oriented campus culture focused on workforce preparation and transfer readiness.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1969

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–50°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.8"
Annual Snowfall: 1.7"

Student Demographics

Johnston Community College draws nearly its entire student body from North Carolina, reflecting its role as a local workforce pipeline for Johnston County. Women make up about two-thirds of the enrollment, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and social services programs. The student body mirrors the county's growing diversity, with significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers.

Men: 36.3%
Women: 63.7%
White: 56.8%
Black: 15.9%
Hispanic: 21.2%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 99.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.2%

Location

Johnston Community College sits in Smithfield, North Carolina, about 30 miles southeast of Raleigh. The campus serves a town-fringe setting where suburban development meets rural Johnston County farmland. Nearly 100% of the college's 2,998 students come from in-state, reflecting its deep roots in the local community. Smithfield combines small-town charm with proximity to the Research Triangle's job market and universities. The area offers a mix of agricultural heritage and growing suburban neighborhoods as families seek affordable living near major employment centers. The college draws heavily from surrounding rural areas where students often balance work and education. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Johnston Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Smithfield, North Carolina 27577-2350

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,310
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,753
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 30.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Johnston Community College?

Johnston Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges. The school enrolls 2,998 students and serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in Johnston County. Nearly all students are North Carolina residents at 99.61%, reflecting its mission as a local workforce development center.

How much does Johnston Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,946 after aid, with in-state tuition set at $2,657. Only 23.17% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low base tuition. The college keeps costs manageable for working families, with net prices under $4,500 across all income brackets.

What academic programs is Johnston Community College known for?

The college operates on a semester system with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in workforce development programs. Johnston Community College focuses on career training and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The school emphasizes practical skills training that connects directly to local job markets.

What career outcomes do Johnston Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $37,310 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 94.6% employment rate. The 28.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's role serving working adults and part-time students. Many students transfer before completing degrees or enter the workforce with certificates and industry credentials.

What is campus life like at Johnston Community College?

The campus in Smithfield serves a diverse student body that is 63.74% women and includes significant Hispanic representation at 21.15%. Johnston Community College fields just 2 varsity sports with 14 total athletes competing as the Jaguars. The college functions primarily as a commuter school focused on academic and career preparation rather than traditional campus activities.

Does Johnston Community College offer financial support beyond federal aid?

Only 5.64% of students receive institutional grants, but those who do get an average of $6,594. The college's low base tuition means fewer students need extensive financial aid packages. With 0% federal loan usage, most students avoid debt entirely while pursuing their education.