South Piedmont Community College: $2,022 Tuition

$2,022Tuition

1,555Students

35%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$37,308Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About South Piedmont Community College

Students flock to this rural North Carolina institution for career-focused training that gets them working fast. South Piedmont Community College serves 1,555 students in Polkton, building a reputation for hands-on programs that connect directly to local industry needs. The Patriots emphasize practical skills over theory, with strong programs in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that match the economic needs of the surrounding rural communities.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. In-state students pay just $2,022 in tuition, and the average net price after aid drops to $4,072. Graduates earn a median of $37,308 ten years after starting, making this education a solid investment. Only 17.74% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who don't qualify for the lowest income brackets but still need affordable education.

Women make up 66.05% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare and human services programs. The student body is racially diverse, with 49.20% white students, 20.32% Black students, and 20% Hispanic students. Nearly all students come from North Carolina (98.02%), creating a tight-knit community feel. The 91.3% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.

Academics & Faculty

South Piedmont Community College serves rural North Carolina with practical, career-focused programs designed for the local workforce. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to instructors, though the 35% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Women make up 66% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. The school emphasizes hands-on training in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business technology. With 98% of students coming from in-state, the college deeply understands regional employment needs. Programs are structured to get students into the workforce quickly, with many offering industry certifications alongside associate degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $37,308

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,358
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$47,846
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$47,260
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$36,848
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$22,999
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$17,470

View all 51 programs →

Campus Life

Rural North Carolina defines the South Piedmont experience, with 98% of the 1,555 students coming from in-state. The Polkton campus sits about an hour southeast of Charlotte, surrounded by farmland and small towns. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as North Carolina's four seasons bring everything from humid 90-degree summers to occasional snow in winter.

This is a commuter school where most students drive to campus for classes and head home afterward. With 66% women and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, expect smaller classrooms focused on practical career training. The Patriots don't field major sports teams, so campus life centers around academic programs rather than game day traditions. Students often work part-time jobs in the area while completing their degrees. Weekend activities typically happen off-campus in nearby Monroe or Charlotte, where students can find shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The 91.3% employment rate reflects the school's focus on job-ready skills rather than traditional college social experiences.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1999

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–52°F
July Avg: 70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.8"
Annual Snowfall: 3.2"

Student Demographics

South Piedmont draws primarily from surrounding rural North Carolina communities, with 98% of students staying close to home. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing, early childhood education, and healthcare programs that traditionally attract female students. The campus serves a diverse mix of white, Black, and Hispanic students from working-class backgrounds, though only 18% qualify for Pell Grants. Most students are older adults returning to school or recent high school graduates seeking affordable career training without leaving their tight-knit rural communities.

Men: 34.0%
Women: 66.1%
White: 49.2%
Black: 20.3%
Hispanic: 20.0%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 98.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.7%

Location

South Piedmont Community College sits in Polkton, North Carolina, about 45 miles southeast of Charlotte. The rural setting serves students across Anson County, where agriculture and small-town life dominate the landscape. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational anchor in this farming region. The campus draws from scattered rural communities where students often travel significant distances for classes. Unlike urban community colleges that serve dense populations, South Piedmont operates in an area where the nearest major amenities require a drive to Charlotte or other regional centers. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare South Piedmont Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Polkton, North Carolina 28135

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $37,308
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,438
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at South Piedmont Community College?

As a community college, South Piedmont maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,555 students across its rural North Carolina campus. Founded in 1999, it focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local community.

How much does South Piedmont Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,072 annually at South Piedmont Community College. In-state tuition runs just $2,022, making it one of the most affordable options in North Carolina. Only 17.74% of students receive federal Pell Grants, reflecting the school's low baseline costs.

What is the student-faculty ratio at South Piedmont Community College?

South Piedmont maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors. The college operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on learning in career-focused programs. Students benefit from smaller class sizes typical of community colleges.

What are the employment outcomes for South Piedmont Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 91.3% employment rate after completing their programs. The median earnings reach $37,308 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical, job-focused training the college provides. The 35.20% six-year graduation rate is typical for community colleges serving working adults and part-time students.

Where is South Piedmont Community College located and what is the campus like?

The college sits in Polkton, North Carolina, in a rural-distant setting that serves the surrounding agricultural region. Nearly all students (98.02%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Patriots compete in athletics while maintaining the school's focus on workforce development.

What is the student demographic breakdown at South Piedmont Community College?

Women make up 66.05% of the student body at South Piedmont, typical of community colleges nationwide. The student population is 49.20% White, 20.32% Black, and 20.00% Hispanic, reflecting the diverse rural communities of south-central North Carolina. This demographic mix creates a multicultural learning environment in the small-town setting.