About Lenoir Community College
Community college represents one of the most affordable paths to higher education or career training. In-state students pay $2,568 in tuition, and the average net price after aid is $5,116. Graduates earn a median of $33,866 ten years after enrollment, making the investment worthwhile for most career-focused programs. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families.
The student body is 68% women and draws almost entirely from North Carolina, with 98% of students from in-state. The college fields three varsity sports teams competing as the Lancers in the NCCAA, with 71 total athletes. The 27% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year schools or enter the workforce before completing their associate degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,866
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,673 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,026 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $23,340 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $16,169 |
Campus Life
The humid subtropical climate means you'll need shorts and t-shirts most of the academic year, with light jackets for brief winter months. Most of the 1,311 students commute from surrounding rural communities, creating a campus that empties by late afternoon. Weekend social life revolves around Kinston's downtown revitalization efforts and outdoor activities along the Neuse River. The Lancers compete in just three NCCAA sports with 71 total athletes, so school spirit focuses more on academic achievements and workforce preparation. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes, reflecting the college's mission to serve working adults and recent high school graduates seeking affordable career training.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1958
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–54°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 53.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 32.2%
- Women
- 67.8%
- White
- 48.9%
- Black
- 34.7%
- Hispanic
- 11.9%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 41.6%
Location
- Address
- Kinston, North Carolina 28504
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,866
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,166
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $23,300
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Lenoir Community College?
Lenoir Community College follows an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have graduated high school or earned a GED. With 1,311 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point to higher education in eastern North Carolina. The school draws almost exclusively from North Carolina, with 98.46% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Lenoir Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,116 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $2,568, while out-of-state students pay $8,712. Nearly 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role in serving students from lower-income backgrounds.
What is the academic experience like at Lenoir Community College?
Students benefit from small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in their coursework. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment. Classes emphasize practical skills training alongside traditional academic foundations.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Lenoir Community College?
Graduates achieve a strong 90.5% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in job preparation. However, the six-year graduation rate stands at 27.7%, which is common for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Alumni earn a median salary of $33,866 ten years after starting college.
What is campus life like at Lenoir Community College?
The campus in Kinston serves a predominantly female student body, with women making up 67.81% of enrollment. Students can participate in three varsity sports as the Lancers, competing in the NCCAA with 71 total athletes. The college maintains a close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller institutions in rural North Carolina.
What makes Lenoir Community College unique in eastern North Carolina?
Founded in 1958, the college has deep roots in serving the agricultural and manufacturing communities of the Neuse River region. The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 48.89% White students, 34.71% Black students, and 11.90% Hispanic students. This demographic mix creates a learning environment that mirrors the changing face of rural North Carolina.
