Public Institution

McDowell Technical Community College — Marion, North Carolina

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Annual Tuition $1,958

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 100%

Open Admission

Enrollment 614

Active Students

Avg. Salary $33,035

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Marion, North Carolina
Institution type Public
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Founded 6/12/1970

Academic Mission & Environment

"McDowell Technical Community College stands as a pillar of higher education in Marion, providing a robust academic foundation for 614 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 McDowell Technical CC offer?

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

Humanities
26.8%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
13.5%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
12.2%

Enrollment Share

Precision Production
8.3%

Enrollment Share

Security & Law Enforcement
6.8%

Enrollment Share

Mechanic & Repair
6.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Precision Production College

The Precision Production program at McDowell Technical Community College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Security & Law Enforcement College

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

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Mechanic & Repair College

The Mechanic & Repair program at McDowell Technical Community College provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at McDowell Technical CC?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 100%
Difficulty Low

McDowell Technical Community College maintains an acceptance rate of 100%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are not reported.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 37.1%
Women Enrollment 62.9%

Open Pathway Confirmed

McDowell Technical CC follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to McDowell Technical CC's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does McDowell Technical CC cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $1,958
Out-of-State Tuition $6,566

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 36.7%
Median Student Debt $N/A

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $1,958, graduates see a median starting salary of $33,035, making it one of the most affordable pathways in North Carolina.

What salary can McDowell Technical CC graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $33,035

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate N/A%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $6,838
Median Salary (6yr) $33,755
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at McDowell Technical CC in Marion?

614 Students

Gender Comparison

37.1% Men
62.9% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

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

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.2%
Asian
1.3%
Black
3.3%
White
70.5%
Unknown
2.6%
Hispanic
9.6%
Two or More Races
12.5%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 26
🎓
First-Generation 49.9%
💍
Married Students 21.3%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $45,349
Average Family Income $23,278
Median Family Income $20,675

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

48.8%
51.2%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Marion Campus Environment

Located at 54 College Drive, McDowell Technical 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 McDowell Technical Community College

Is McDowell Technical Community College a good college in Marion, North Carolina?
McDowell Technical CC is a recognized institution in Marion with an enrollment of 614 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 McDowell Technical Community College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, McDowell Technical CC offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $33,035. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does McDowell Technical Community College cost for North Carolina residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at McDowell Technical CC is approximately $1,958. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $6,566. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of McDowell Technical Community College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending McDowell Technical CC for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately a significant percentage% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is McDowell Technical Community College good for Humanities and Business & Marketing programs?
McDowell Technical CC is highly regarded for its Humanities and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending McDowell Technical Community College?
Graduates of McDowell Technical CC often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Humanities. With a median salary of $33,035, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for McDowell Technical Community College?
McDowell Technical CC 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 McDowell Technical Community College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, McDowell Technical CC 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 McDowell Technical Community College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of McDowell Technical CC earn a median salary of $33,035 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is McDowell Technical Community College a good investment compared to other NC colleges?
McDowell Technical CC 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 McDowell Technical Community College located and what is the campus like?
McDowell Technical CC is located at 54 College Drive in Marion, NC. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 614 learners.
Who typically attends McDowell Technical Community College in Marion, NC?
The student body at McDowell Technical CC is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 49.9% 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 McDowell Technical 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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