Robeson Community College: $2,571 Tuition

$2,571Tuition

1,454Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$29,036Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Robeson Community College

Robeson Community College serves the rural communities of southeastern North Carolina with practical workforce training that gets students into jobs quickly. The school enrolls 1,454 students and focuses on career-ready programs that match local employment needs. Nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina, reflecting the college's deep community roots.

Students pay an average of $5,189 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in the state. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking economic mobility. Graduates earn a median of $29,036 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate hits 91.2%, demonstrating that employers value the hands-on training students receive. With no federal loan debt reported, students avoid the debt burden that often follows college.

Women make up 73% of the student body, typical for community colleges with strong health and human services programs. The student-faculty ratio of 16:1 allows for personal attention in technical courses. The college serves a diverse population, with Black students comprising 22% and Hispanic students 12% of enrollment. Students graduate at a 30% rate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face completing degrees while balancing jobs and family responsibilities.

Academics & Faculty

Robeson Community College focuses on workforce development and career training programs that serve rural southeastern North Carolina. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in technical fields like nursing, automotive technology, and manufacturing. With a 29.90% six-year graduation rate, the college serves many first-generation and working students who balance education with other responsibilities. The 91.2% employment rate shows graduates find work in their fields. Programs align with regional employer needs, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades. Many students transfer credits to four-year universities after completing associate degrees. The college's open-door mission means it accepts students regardless of academic preparation, requiring strong support services.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 18.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $29,036

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,107
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$46,380
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$35,060
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$31,133
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$25,774
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$21,508
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$18,011
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$12,221

View all 30 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Robeson Community College navigate a close-knit campus where 73% of classmates are women, creating a supportive environment for many first-generation college students. The 1,454 students spread across a modest campus in Lumberton, about 90 minutes from Fayetteville and two hours from Raleigh. North Carolina's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both winter jackets for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering August days.

Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, giving the campus a distinctly local feel where many students already know each other from high school. As a commuter school with no dormitories, weekends often see students heading home to family or picking up shifts at local jobs. The college serves a diverse population where 22% of students are Black and 20% are white, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage including the nearby Lumbee tribe. Many students balance classes with work schedules, taking advantage of the semester system's flexibility to pursue certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	1	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–53°F
July Avg: 70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.8"
Annual Snowfall: -777.5"

Student Demographics

Robeson Community College draws students from across southeastern North Carolina, with nearly 99% coming from in-state. The student body is 73% women, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and human services that traditionally attract female students. About half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in this rural region. The diverse racial composition mirrors Robeson County's unique demographics, including significant Native American, Black, and white populations. Most students are older adults seeking career changes or skills upgrades rather than traditional college-age learners.

Men: 26.6%
Women: 73.5%
White: 19.1%
Black: 21.8%
Hispanic: 11.6%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 98.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.2%

Location

Robeson Community College sits in Lumberton, North Carolina, about 95 miles southwest of Raleigh and 30 miles from Fayetteville. This rural town serves as the seat of Robeson County in the state's southeastern Coastal Plain region. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep local roots. The area is known for its agricultural heritage and diverse population, with the student body being 22% Black, 19% White, and 12% Hispanic. Lumberton provides a small-town atmosphere where students can focus on their studies without big-city distractions. The surrounding region offers outdoor recreation opportunities along the Lumber River. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Robeson Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lumberton, North Carolina 28360

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $29,036
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,016
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $21,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 13.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Robeson Community College?

As a community college, Robeson Community College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 1,454 students primarily from southeastern North Carolina's rural communities. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a local workforce development center.

How much does Robeson Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,189 after aid, making it highly affordable for working families. In-state tuition starts at just $2,571, while 47% of students receive Pell Grants. The college keeps costs low to serve its rural community where many students are first-generation college attendees.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Robeson Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1, allowing for personalized attention in technical and academic programs. The college focuses heavily on workforce development and career training for local industries. Faculty work closely with students to develop practical skills needed in southeastern North Carolina's job market.

What are the graduation rates and earnings at Robeson Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 30%, which reflects the challenges many rural, first-generation students face in completing college. However, graduates earn a median of $29,036 ten years after enrollment, representing significant income mobility for the region. The college maintains a 91% employment rate, showing strong job placement success.

Where is Robeson Community College located and what is the campus like?

The campus sits in Lumberton, a small town in rural southeastern North Carolina that serves as a regional center. With 73% women and a diverse student body that is 22% Black and 12% Hispanic, the college reflects the area's demographics. The town-distant setting provides a close-knit community atmosphere while offering access to regional employers.

Does Robeson Community College offer strong workforce development programs?

The college has built its reputation around practical workforce training that matches local industry needs in rural North Carolina. With an employment rate of 91%, graduates find jobs quickly in healthcare, manufacturing, and technical fields. The college's focus on career readiness helps bridge the skills gap in underserved rural communities throughout the region.