Rowan-Cabarrus Community College: $2,064 Tuition

$2,064Tuition

4,073Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,936Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College serves 4,073 students in suburban Salisbury, building careers through hands-on training programs and university transfer pathways. The Warriors excel at preparing students for immediate employment in high-demand fields while also smoothing the road to four-year degrees. The college has earned a reputation for responsive workforce development, adapting quickly to regional employer needs in manufacturing and healthcare.

Students pay an average net price of $4,842 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable educational investments in North Carolina. Graduates earn a median of $34,936 ten years after starting, with typical loan debt of just $9,458. The employment rate hits 91.5 percent, reflecting strong employer relationships and practical program design. Monthly loan payments average only $100, keeping post-graduation finances manageable for most students.

The student body tilts female at 62.6 percent, with significant diversity including 21.8 percent Black and 16.4 percent Hispanic enrollment. Nearly all students come from North Carolina, creating a tight community feel with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. However, the 30 percent six-year graduation rate signals that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees or take longer to finish while working.

Academics & Faculty

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College specializes in career training programs and transfer pathways that prepare students for immediate employment or four-year university continuation. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in hands-on technical programs. With a 30% six-year graduation rate, the college reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. The school serves a diverse student body where 62.6% are women and nearly all students are North Carolina residents at 99.68%. Strong employment outcomes show graduates earning a median of $34,936 within ten years, demonstrating the practical value of the college's workforce development focus.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,936

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,107
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$39,009
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$36,848
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$32,569
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$26,353
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$22,989
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$19,455
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$16,169

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Rowan-Cabarrus serves 4,073 students across multiple campuses in the Charlotte metro area, with the main campus situated about 45 minutes northeast of downtown Charlotte. Students experience four distinct seasons, requiring both winter jackets for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summer days that regularly hit the 80s and 90s. The college operates as a commuter school with no on-campus housing, meaning students drive in for classes then return to work or family responsibilities.

Women make up 62.6% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing and early childhood education. Nearly all students (99.7%) come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the commuter nature. Weekends typically involve work rather than campus activities, as many students balance school with jobs or family obligations. The Warriors compete in intramural sports, though athletics take a backseat to career preparation. Students often study in small groups between classes, taking advantage of the 13:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention in technical and transfer programs.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

3 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	2	0	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 29°–50°F
July Avg: 68°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.7"
Annual Snowfall: 2.4"

Student Demographics

Rowan-Cabarrus draws primarily local students, with nearly all coming from North Carolina. Women make up about two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves a diverse community where about half are white students, with significant Black and Hispanic populations representing the changing demographics of the Charlotte metro area. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families seeking career training or university transfer options.

Men: 37.4%
Women: 62.6%
White: 50.9%
Black: 21.8%
Hispanic: 16.4%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 99.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.1%

Location

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College sits in Salisbury, North Carolina, about 45 minutes northeast of Charlotte. The college draws nearly all of its 4,073 students from in-state, with 99.68% coming from North Carolina. Salisbury blends small-town charm with proximity to the state's largest metropolitan area. The region offers a mix of historic downtown areas and growing suburban communities. Students benefit from being close enough to Charlotte for internships and job opportunities while enjoying lower living costs in a smaller city. The area's manufacturing and healthcare industries align well with the college's career training focus. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Rowan-Cabarrus Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Salisbury, North Carolina 28146

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,936
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,292
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 23.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $100/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,458

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College?

As a community college, Rowan-Cabarrus maintains open enrollment for most programs, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college serves 4,073 students primarily from North Carolina, with 99.68% of students coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for career training and transfer preparation in the Salisbury area.

How much does Rowan-Cabarrus Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,842 annually, making it highly affordable compared to four-year institutions. In-state tuition runs just $2,064 per year, while out-of-state students pay $6,672. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving working-class families in the region.

What academic programs is Rowan-Cabarrus Community College known for?

The college specializes in career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. With a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, students get personalized attention in both technical fields and general education courses. The Warriors compete in athletics while maintaining focus on practical education that leads directly to employment or university transfer.

What do graduates of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College typically earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $34,936 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's focus on practical career training. The employment rate reaches 91.5%, demonstrating strong job placement success. Graduates typically carry manageable debt loads of $9,458, with monthly loan payments averaging just $100.

Where is Rowan-Cabarrus Community College located and what is campus life like?

The suburban campus sits in Salisbury, North Carolina, serving a diverse student body that is 62.61% women and includes significant populations of White (50.90%), Black (21.80%), and Hispanic (16.40%) students. The large suburban setting provides access to both rural and urban opportunities in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Most students commute to campus rather than living in dormitories.

Does Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offer good financial aid support?

The college keeps education accessible with low net prices across all income levels, ranging from $4,131 for families earning under $30,000 to $6,669 for those earning $75,000-$110,000. Only 9.35% of students receive institutional grants, but those who do get an average of $6,959. The focus remains on keeping base tuition low rather than offering extensive scholarship programs.