Public Institution

Catawba Valley Community College — Hickory, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $2,367

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance N/A

Open Admission

Enrollment 3,517

Active Students

Avg. Salary $36,977

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Hickory, North Carolina
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 2/24/1967

Academic Mission & Environment

"Catawba Valley Community College stands as a pillar of higher education in Hickory, providing a robust academic foundation for 3,517 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Catawba Valley Community College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Catawba Valley Community College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Humanities
31.5%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
15.7%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
12.3%

Enrollment Share

Precision Production
8.9%

Enrollment Share

Engineering Tech
5.6%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Precision Production College

The Precision Production program at Catawba Valley Community College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Engineering Tech College

The Engineering Tech program at Catawba Valley Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

The Security & Law Enforcement program provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Catawba Valley Community College?

Open Admission
Acceptance Rate N/A%
Avg. SAT Score N/A

Out of 1600

ACT Midpoint N/A

Out of 36

SAT Section Breakdown

Evidence-Based Reading & Writing N/A
Math N/A

ACT Section Breakdown

English N/A
Math N/A

How much does Catawba Valley Community College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $2,367
Out-of-State Tuition $7,743

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 32.5%
Median Student Debt $4,938

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $2,367, graduates see a median starting salary of $36,977, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can Catawba Valley Community College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $36,977

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $9,415
Median Salary (6yr) $32,508
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory?

3,517 Students

Gender Comparison

46.9% Men
53.1% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

0%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.3%
Pacific Islander
0.2%
Asian
7.1%
Black
6.2%
White
61.5%
Unknown
1.4%
Hispanic
18.6%
Two or More Races
3.7%
International
1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 24
🎓
First-Generation 49.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 93.5%
💍
Married Students 14.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $54,394
Average Family Income $28,081
Median Family Income $22,585

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46%
54%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Hickory Campus Environment

Located at 2550 Hwy 70 SE, Catawba Valley Community College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of North Carolina. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Catawba Valley Community College

Is Catawba Valley Community College a good college in Hickory, North Carolina?
Catawba Valley Community College is a recognized institution in Hickory with an enrollment of 3,517 students. It is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers a robust ROI for students in North Carolina based on Department of Education data.
Is Catawba Valley Community College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Catawba Valley Community College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $36,977. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Catawba Valley Community College cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Catawba Valley Community College is approximately $2,367. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $7,743. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Catawba Valley Community College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Catawba Valley Community College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 93.5% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Catawba Valley Community College good for Humanities and Health Professions programs?
Catawba Valley Community College is highly regarded for its Humanities and Health Professions programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Catawba Valley Community College?
Graduates of Catawba Valley Community College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $36,977, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Catawba Valley Community College?
Catawba Valley Community College operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Catawba Valley Community College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Catawba Valley Community College follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Catawba Valley Community College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Catawba Valley Community College earn a median salary of $36,977 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Catawba Valley Community College a good investment compared to other NC colleges?
Catawba Valley Community College stands out as a high-value investment in North Carolina. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Catawba Valley Community College located and what is the campus like?
Catawba Valley Community College is located at 2550 Hwy 70 SE in Hickory, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 3,517 learners.
Who typically attends Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC?
The student body at Catawba Valley Community College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 49.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: North Carolina

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Catawba Valley Community College with other leading institutions in North Carolina across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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