The mission of McDowell Technical Community College to provide high-quality, comprehensive educational opportunities and services which fulfill the personal development, training and employment needs of the residents, businesses, and industries in McDowell County and surrounding areas. The College acknowledges and values cultural, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity and seeks to contribute to the maximum development of the individual and community through open door admissions and readily accessible and affordable programs. The college is dedicated to providing quality educational programs and services accessible to students on-campus, off-campus, or through distance learning. These educational programs and services are offered, within the limits of a available resources, regardless of disability or previous educational attainments.
School Highlights
McDowell Technical Community College serves 1,498 students (23% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 26% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 1,498 students
In-state tuition: $1,776
Out-state tuition: $6,384
Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
Minority enrollment: 26%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of McDowell Technical Community College has grown by 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The McDowell Technical Community College diversity score of 0.44 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has grown by 64% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,498 students
2,542 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
340 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
1,158 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
149 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
340 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,158 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
9%
13%
% Black
5%
21%
% White
74%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
7%
5%
Diversity Score
0.44
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.45%
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)
$25,900
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $1,776 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,384 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$1,776
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,384
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
83%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$4,634
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,500
$6,000
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
In 1964, McDowell Technical Community College was established as
the Marion-McDowell Industrial Education Center, located in
downtown Marion, N.C. near the corner of State Street and South
Garden Street. M-MIEC operated as a satellite unit of
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute until September, 1967. The
school moved to permanent facilities on a 31-acre site at the
intersection of Interstate 40 and Highway 226 in Marion in 1970.
Today, McDowell Technical Community College offers Associate
Degrees, Diplomas, and/or Certificates in more than 30 curriculum
programs. The College also offers classes in many areas of
Continuing Education. MTCC currently serves more than 6,800
students per year with some type of education and training. The
college offers a number of Occupational and Continuing Education
Services, including Teleconference Workshops, Computer Training,
and a variety of specialized programs designed to enhance an
individual's employability, to help him or her learn a new career,
to establish a pattern of growth and stability in business and
industry, and to help individuals stay abreast of trends in their
chosen field. McDowell Technical Community College is accredited by
the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does McDowell Technical Community College cost?
McDowell Technical Community College's tuition is approximately $1,776 for In-State students and $6,384 for Out-State students.
What is McDowell Technical Community College's ranking?
McDowell Technical Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Least expensive tuition.
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 1,498 students
In-state tuition: $1,776
Out-state tuition: $6,384
Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
Minority enrollment: 26%
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.
