Gaston College, located in Gaston and Lincoln Counties, is an open door, comprehensive, public community college that promotes lifelong learning and economic development through high quality educational programs and services.
School Highlights
Gaston College serves 7,071 students (22% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 13:1 is same as the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 7,071 students
In-state tuition: $2,560
Out-state tuition: $8,704
Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
Minority enrollment: 57%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Gaston College has grown by 25% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 10:1 over five years.
The Gaston College diversity score of 0.79 is more than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has grown by 25% over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,071 students
2,542 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
1,539 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
5,532 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
707 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,539 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
5,532 students
1,990 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
3 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
717 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
8%
13%
% Black
12%
21%
% White
43%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
32%
5%
Diversity Score
0.79
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4345%
0.3684%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.4286%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$27,600
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,560 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 5% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,704 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,560
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,704
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
49%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$2,625
$8,546
Median Debt for Dropouts
$2,625
$4,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
82%
SAT Reading
n/a
488
SAT Math
n/a
498
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
13
ACT Math
n/a
16
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
Gaston College was granted a charter by the State of North Carolina
in 1963 and began its first classes in temporary headquarters in
September 1964. The college moved to its permanent campus on
Highway 321 between Dallas and Gastonia two months later. Serving
both Gaston and Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls over 5,000
students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 16,000
students annually in its Continuing Education programs. Part of the
North Carolina Community College System, Gaston College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to
award associate degrees. The twelve major buildings that comprise
the Gaston College Dallas campus contain approximately 450,868
square feet and have an estimated current value of $41,385,862.
There is an efficient road system and parking for more than 2,000
cars. College facilities (including a 480-seat auditorium) are
available for public use and may be scheduled through the Office
for Finance and Facilities. Gaston College is a commuter
institution and does not have dormitories or housing for rent. The
purpose of the Arts and Sciences Division of Gaston College is to
provide quality instructional opportunities in college parallel
programs for students who intend to transfer to senior institutions
and to provide support of technical and occupational program
curriculums. The division serves as a community resource and
promotes academic articulation with public/private schools,
business/industry, and senior institutions. The Liberal Arts and
Sciences Division offers a wide range of courses. Among these are
art, criminal justice, technology, early childhood education,
English, foreign languages, humanities, mathematics, music, the
natural sciences, paralegal technology, and the social sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gaston College cost?
Gaston College's tuition is approximately $2,560 for In-State students and $8,704 for Out-State students.
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Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 7,071 students
In-state tuition: $2,560
Out-state tuition: $8,704
Student:teacher ratio: 13:1
Minority enrollment: 57%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
For North Carolina public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $3,915 per year for in-state students and $9,508 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $19,438 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.
North Carolina community colleges have a diversity score of 0.66, which is higher than the national average of 0.00. The most diverse community college in North Carolina is Gaston College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.
