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$1,966Tuition
1,071Students
28%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$32,480Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Rockingham Community College

Rockingham Community College serves the rural communities of north-central North Carolina with practical, career-focused education. The college enrolls 1,071 students in programs designed to meet local workforce needs. Students come overwhelmingly from North Carolina, with 98% residing in-state. The college emphasizes hands-on training and partnerships with regional employers.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class students. Average net price hits just $2,380 after aid, making this one of the most affordable options in the state. Nearly half of students receive financial assistance, with 44% qualifying for Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $32,480 ten years after starting, which represents solid returns given the low cost of attendance. The employment rate reaches 89%, reflecting strong job placement in local industries.

Women make up 63% of the student body, typical for community colleges nationwide. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 allows for personal attention in smaller classes. Campus athletics remain minimal, with just one varsity sport and 36 total athletes competing as the Eagles. The graduation rate of 28% reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education, though those who complete programs find steady employment in the region.

Academics & Faculty

Rockingham Community College focuses on career training and workforce development for north-central North Carolina. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides close attention in hands-on programs, though the 28% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Nearly 90% of graduates find employment, demonstrating strong connections to local employers. The college emphasizes practical skills training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and trades that serve the regional economy. With 98% of students from North Carolina, RCC acts as a local workforce pipeline. Programs are designed for quick entry into careers rather than transfer preparation, making it ideal for students seeking immediate job skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
32.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
28.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,480

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $39,009
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $37,856
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $33,281
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Certificate $33,138
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $30,771
Precision Metal Working. Associate $28,236
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $22,834

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Rockingham Community College sits in the foothills of North Carolina, about 45 minutes from Greensboro and an hour from Winston-Salem. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here - summers hit the 80s while January mornings can dip into the 20s. As a commuter school with no residence halls, 98% of the 1,071 students drive in from surrounding rural communities each day.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely. Women make up 63% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and early childhood education programs. With only 36 total athletes competing in one sport, campus life revolves more around study groups and career preparation than game day festivities. Students often grab lunch between classes at the small campus center, then head to work or family obligations. Weekends typically mean catching up on coursework, working part-time jobs, or spending time in nearby Danbury or Eden. The focus here is practical - getting skills, earning credentials, and moving into the workforce quickly.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1966

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
28°–48°F
July Avg
67°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
47.8"
Annual Snowfall
7.3"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students come from North Carolina, with most drawn from the local counties around Wentworth. The student body is predominantly women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's healthcare and human services programs. About half of students receive Pell Grants, showing Rockingham serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The college attracts both recent high school graduates and older adults returning to education for job skills. Students typically choose Rockingham for its practical programs in nursing, business, and trades that lead directly to local employment opportunities.
Men
36.7%
Women
63.3%
White
63.6%
Black
16.8%
Hispanic
9.0%
Asian
0.4%
In-State Students
98.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
44.0%

Location

Wentworth sits in the foothills of north-central North Carolina, about 30 miles north of Greensboro and 45 miles northwest of Winston-Salem. The rural-fringe setting places Rockingham Community College in farming and tobacco country near the Virginia border. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep roots in serving local communities across Rockingham County. The area combines small-town charm with access to larger metropolitan areas when students need internships or job opportunities. Rolling hills and rural landscapes define much of the surrounding region, though students can reach the Piedmont Triad cities within an hour's drive. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Rockingham Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Wentworth, North Carolina 27375

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$32,480
Median Earnings (5 years)
$40,462
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Rockingham Community College?

Rockingham Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges. The school enrolls 1,071 students and serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural north-central North Carolina.

How much does Rockingham Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $2,380 after financial aid at Rockingham Community College. With 44% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college provides affordable education with in-state tuition at just $1,966 annually.

What academic programs is Rockingham Community College known for?

Rockingham Community College focuses on career-focused programs and workforce training for the regional economy. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the college provides personalized attention in technical and professional programs designed to meet local industry needs.

What are the career outcomes for Rockingham Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $32,480 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 89% employment rate. The college's 28.3% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education.

Where is Rockingham Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Wentworth, North Carolina, serving a rural-fringe community in the state's north-central region. With 98.43% of students coming from in-state and women comprising 63.31% of enrollment, the campus reflects the local demographics of this tight-knit agricultural area.

Does Rockingham Community College have sports teams?

The Eagles compete in just one varsity sport through the NCCAA with 36 total athletes. Unlike many colleges, Rockingham Community College offers no athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic programs and workforce preparation.