- North Central Institute is a postsecondary educational institution specializing in Airframe & Power Plant licensing (Part 147 and Part 65) and offers the Associate of Applied Science Degree (AASD) in Aviation Technology. North Central Institute is an FAA approved aviation maintenance school and Delta Tech Ops partner school. See full list of programs and continuing education opportunities at www.NCI.edu.
School Highlights
North Central Institute serves 138 students (51% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 25:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 38%.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Enrollment: 138 students
- Private-state tuition: $20,615
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 29%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
North Central Institute ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Tennessee for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Resources
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 15 teachers has grown by 36% over five years.
North Central Institute
(TN) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Special Focus Two-Year: Technical Professions
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private, for profit
Public
Total Faculty
15 staff
38 staff
Number of Programs Offered
3
16
School Calendar
School Motto
Training next generation aviation professionals.
AccreditationAccred.
Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Student Body
The student population of North Central Institute has grown by 122% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The North Central Institute diversity score of 0.66 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 18% over five years.
Total Enrollment
138 students
909 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
25:1
# Full-Time Students
71 students
416 students
# Part-Time Students
67 students
667 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
100 students
870 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
138 students
378 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
62 students
776 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
10%
8%
% Black
10%
20%
% White
71%
62%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
4%
Diversity Score
0.66
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
72%
65%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years) (Year 2012)
$50,400
$30,000
Tuition & Financial Aid
The private state tuition of $20,615 is more than the state average of $12,792.
Private State Tuition Fees
$20,615
$12,792
Tuition Notes
Fees include textbooks, tools, and uniforms. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
80%
94%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,500
Acceptance Rate
98%
87%
Sports
Colors
BURGUNDY (deep, rich, bold), BLACK (executive tone), and Gunship GREY (darker, slate grey like the F-15E Strike Eagle),
School Mascot
Eagle
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Founded in 1988
- North Central Institute (NCI) has been providing aviation training in Clarksville, Tennessee, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, communities for over 35 years. NCI is a veteran-owned entity accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, authorized by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, and is a Federal Aviation Administration approved Aircraft Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) that has been continuously and successfully training students for aviation careers.
- Clarksville Campus
- Our campus is located on 6.9 acres and comprised of a 30,000 square foot training facility housing administrative offices, aviation laboratories, and classroom space. NCI's programs offer a uniquely designed curriculum that qualifies students to enter an industry with both national and global career opportunities. To support our programs, we have a multitude of training aids, equipment, engines, tools, and aircraft to simulate working with an airline, aircraft manufacturer, maintenance, repair operation, or the Department of Defense. Our fleet includes a Bell 407 FireX Helicopter, Cessna 310, Cessna 172, and numerous reciprocating and turbine engines.
- Aviation Maintenance
- Our AMT program completers are highly skilled and ready to work in a variety of complex, challenging, and rewarding career paths. The opportunity to earn your Federal Aviation Administration (FAA Part 147) Airframe and/or Powerplant Certificates and your Associate's Degree is within reach at NCI.
- Dr John D. McCurdy "Doc"
- Doc retired from the US Army after serving 27 years. He has an extensive history with and love for the Aviation Industry. Doc founded North Central Institute on the belief that an education tailored directly to an area of concentration for career success is the best education one can have.
- Alumni
- NCI has over 2500 alumni impacting the maintenance and safety of today's air travel. With over 2.5 million airline passengers daily, our graduates are making a difference. Our employer partners are eager to meet and employ NCI graduates to help address the industry's shortage of aviation professionals. NCI takes pride in providing accessible and affordable education opportunities to veterans, women, minorities, and underrepresented communities for over 35 years.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Sabrina Carter, 2007 - Women in Aviation Professional at Embraer
- Kris Knue, 2011 - Apache Helicopter Maintenance Test Pilot and Veteran
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does North Central Institute cost?
North Central Institute's private state tuition is approximately $20,615.
What is the acceptance rate of North Central Institute?
The acceptance rate of North Central Institute is 98%, which is higher than the state average of 87%.
Who are famous alumni from North Central Institute?
North Central Institute famous alumni include: Sabrina Carter, 2007 and Kris Knue, 2011.
What is North Central Institute's ranking?
North Central Institute ranks among the top 20% of community college in Tennessee for: Diversity in US community colleges, Percent of students receiving financial aid and Highest completion rates.
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