Sampson Community College: $2,830 Tuition

$2,830Tuition

941Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,409Earnings

#23 in North CarolinaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Sampson Community College

Sampson Community College serves 941 students in the agricultural heartland of eastern North Carolina. The Vikings compete in a region where farming, manufacturing, and healthcare drive the local economy. This community college draws entirely from in-state students who value practical, career-focused education. The student body reflects the area's growing diversity, with 37% white, 26% Black, and 28% Hispanic students.

Students pay an average net price of $3,826 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in North Carolina. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. Graduates earn a median of $33,409 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid earning potential for a two-year degree. The employment rate hits 94.9%, showing strong job placement success. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $3,374.

Women make up 70% of the student body, typical for community colleges that attract many students pursuing healthcare and education careers. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes. Only 53% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the reality that many community college students juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing their degrees part-time.

Academics & Faculty

Sampson Community College serves rural eastern North Carolina with practical career programs that connect directly to local industries. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. Students can complete associate degrees and workforce certificates in fields like nursing, welding, automotive technology, and business administration. The college maintains strong partnerships with local employers, contributing to its impressive 94.9% employment rate for graduates. With a 52.5% six-year graduation rate, the school provides solid support for students balancing work and family commitments. Most programs emphasize job readiness over theoretical study, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce or transfer to four-year universities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 34.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,409

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,775

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Clinton sits about 30 miles southeast of Fayetteville in North Carolina's rural heartland. The 941 students at Sampson Community College experience small-town life where everyone knows each other. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll get personal attention from professors who remember your name.

Nearly 70% of students are women, creating a supportive atmosphere focused on career preparation and transfer programs. The Vikings don't have dormitories since all students are in-state residents who commute from surrounding communities. You'll need a light jacket for winter but expect humid summers typical of eastern North Carolina. The semester system keeps pace steady, and the 94.9% employment rate reflects the college's strong ties to local healthcare systems, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Campus life centers around practical learning rather than traditional college social scenes. Students often work part-time jobs while attending classes. Half receive Pell Grants, making this an affordable stepping stone for first-generation college students. Weekends mean heading home to family rather than campus activities, though study groups and career-focused clubs provide connection during the week.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–52°F
July Avg: 70°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.6"
Annual Snowfall: 2.2"

Student Demographics

Sampson Community College draws students from across rural North Carolina seeking affordable career training. The student body reflects the school's mission to serve working-class families, with half of students receiving Pell Grants. Women make up nearly 70% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting that attract female students. The diverse racial composition mirrors eastern North Carolina's demographics, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities. Students typically stay local after graduation, filling essential roles in the region's healthcare facilities and businesses.

Men: 30.2%
Women: 69.8%
White: 36.9%
Black: 25.8%
Hispanic: 27.6%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 50.1%

Location

Clinton, North Carolina sits about 65 miles southeast of Raleigh in the state's coastal plain region. The town of roughly 8,500 residents serves as the seat of Sampson County, surrounded by agricultural land known for turkey farming and sweet potato production. Sampson Community College draws all of its 941 students from within North Carolina's borders. The rural setting offers a quiet environment for focused study, though students seeking urban amenities must drive over an hour to reach larger cities like Fayetteville or Wilmington. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 70% female and reflects the area's changing demographics. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Sampson Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Clinton, North Carolina 28328-0318

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,409
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,663
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,200

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Sampson Community College?

Sampson Community College follows an open enrollment policy typical of North Carolina community colleges, meaning qualified applicants are generally admitted. The school serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural southeastern North Carolina. With 941 students enrolled, the college maintains a close-knit learning environment where students can build strong relationships with faculty and peers.

How much does Sampson Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,826 annually at Sampson Community College. In-state tuition runs just $2,830, making it one of the most affordable education options in North Carolina. Half of all students receive financial aid, with many qualifying for Pell Grants that reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

What academic programs is Sampson Community College known for?

Sampson Community College offers career-focused programs designed to meet local workforce needs in rural North Carolina. The student-faculty ratio of 12:1 allows for personalized attention in technical and health science programs. With nearly 70% of students being women, the college has developed strong programs in nursing and other healthcare fields that appeal to this demographic.

What are the job outcomes for Sampson Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 94.9% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical, job-ready training. The median earnings one year after graduation reach $43,715, demonstrating strong immediate earning potential. However, the 52.5% six-year graduation rate shows that many students take longer to complete their programs while balancing work and family responsibilities.

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

The campus sits in Clinton, North Carolina, a small town that serves the rural farming community of Sampson County. All students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where everyone knows each other. The Vikings compete in athletics while maintaining the practical, no-frills approach typical of rural community colleges.

Does Sampson Community College serve a diverse student population?

The student body reflects the changing demographics of rural North Carolina, with 36.9% White, 25.8% Black, and 27.6% Hispanic students. This diversity mirrors the agricultural workforce in Sampson County, where many students come from farming families. Founded in 1967, the college has evolved to serve an increasingly multicultural community while maintaining its agricultural and technical education roots.