Sandhills Community College: $2,040 Tuition

$2,040Tuition

2,375Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,656Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Sandhills Community College

Sandhills Community College sits in the heart of North Carolina's golf country, training the next generation of golf course managers and turf grass specialists. The college enrolls 2,375 students in a rural setting that mirrors the rolling landscapes where many graduates will work. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The college has built its reputation around programs that serve the massive golf industry surrounding Pinehurst, home to multiple major championships.

The financial picture looks promising for students willing to invest in specialized training. Average net price runs $8,596 annually, while in-state tuition costs just $2,040. Graduates earn a median of $31,656 ten years after starting college. Only 32% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low sticker price without borrowing. The employment rate hits 89.2%, reflecting strong industry connections.

Women make up 64% of the student body, and nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina. The Flyers compete in five varsity sports with 57 total athletes. With a 48% six-year graduation rate, the college serves students who often balance work and family responsibilities while completing their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Sandhills sits in the heart of North Carolina's golf country and has built a national reputation for its golf management and turf grass programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors can provide hands-on training in specialized labs and on actual golf courses. Nearly 48% of students complete their programs within six years, which is solid for a community college serving mostly working adults. The school excels in career-focused training beyond golf, including nursing, culinary arts, and automotive technology. Students get direct access to industry professionals who often teach part-time while working in their fields. The small class sizes make it easier to land internships and job placements in the region's hospitality and recreation industries.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 36.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 47.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,656

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$56,484
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$41,087
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$36,674
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$23,262
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,814
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$21,964
Culinary Arts and Related Services.	Associate	$18,771
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$18,576
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Associate	$15,182

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

Pinehurst's golf-obsessed culture shapes daily life at Sandhills, where nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina. The campus sits in the heart of America's golf capital, about 75 miles from Raleigh, surrounded by world-famous courses and pine forests. Students often grab lunch between the sand traps at Pinehurst Resort or work part-time at nearby golf facilities.

With 63.9% women and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes feel intimate and discussion-heavy. North Carolina's mild climate means students wear light jackets in winter and plenty of sunscreen during humid summers. As a commuter school, campus empties on weekends when students head home or to jobs in the golf industry. The 57 athletes competing in five sports create pockets of school spirit, though most social life happens off-campus.

The rural-fringe setting offers outdoor recreation but limited nightlife. Students drive to Southern Pines for dining or catch concerts in Raleigh. Many spend weekends working at golf courses, gaining hands-on experience that complements their turf management coursework.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–52°F
July Avg: 69°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.8"
Annual Snowfall: 1.3"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students call North Carolina home, reflecting Sandhills' role as a regional workforce developer in the Sandhills area. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, typical for community colleges where nursing, education, and business programs draw strong female participation. The student body reflects the diversity of Moore County and surrounding areas. About one in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable career training. Students come from varied backgrounds but share common goals of practical education and local employment opportunities in this golf-rich region.

Men: 36.1%
Women: 63.9%
White: 52.6%
Black: 17.9%
Hispanic: 13.4%
Asian: 1.6%
In-State Students: 98.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.5%

Location

Pinehurst, North Carolina sits in the heart of the state's Sandhills region, about 70 miles southwest of Raleigh. The area earned worldwide recognition as "Golf Capital of America" with over 40 championship courses including the legendary Pinehurst Resort. Nearly 99% of Sandhills Community College's 2,375 students come from within North Carolina. The rural-fringe setting combines small-town charm with proximity to outdoor recreation and the state's famous golf industry. Moore County's rolling hills and pine forests create an ideal environment for the college's well-known turf grass management program. The region attracts retirees and golf enthusiasts, creating unique internship opportunities for students. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Sandhills Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,656
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,926
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,300

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Sandhills Community College?

As a community college, Sandhills Community College maintains an open enrollment policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The school serves 2,375 students primarily from North Carolina, with 98.86% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable education in the Pinehurst area.

How much does Sandhills Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Sandhills Community College is $8,596 annually. In-state tuition starts at just $2,040, while out-of-state students pay $6,598. About 32.45% of students receive Pell Grants, making this one of the most affordable educational options in North Carolina.

What academic programs is Sandhills Community College known for?

Sandhills Community College is well-known for its golf management and turf grass programs, taking advantage of its location in North Carolina's golf capital. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Students benefit from hands-on training in an area where golf course management is a significant industry.

What are the job prospects for Sandhills Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 89.2% employment rate, with median earnings of $31,656 ten years after graduation. The college's 6-year graduation rate stands at 47.90%, which is typical for community colleges. The strong employment outcomes reflect the practical, career-focused nature of the programs offered.

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

The college sits in Pinehurst, North Carolina, in a rural-fringe setting that provides a quiet learning environment. With 63.87% women and 36.13% men, the student body reflects the demographics of many community colleges. The campus serves a diverse population with 52.55% white, 17.85% Black, and 13.39% Hispanic students.

Does Sandhills Community College offer athletic scholarships?

Sandhills Community College fields five varsity sports teams through the NCCAA with 57 total athletes competing as the Flyers. However, the school offers $0 in athletic scholarships, focusing instead on academic affordability. The athletic programs provide competitive opportunities without the pressure of scholarship-dependent recruitment.