McDowell Technical Community College is a public 2-year college in Marion, North Carolina with 608 undergraduates. It has open admission, costs an average of $5,562 a year after grants and graduates 68% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
McDowell Technical Community College acceptance rate and admissions
McDowell Technical Community College has open admission: it admits students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs, such as nursing or other health fields, can have their own entry requirements.
McDowell Technical Community College tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $2,032 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $6,640 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $16,724 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $5,562 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $5,562 a year after grants and scholarships, $11,162 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run McDowell Technical Community College's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
McDowell Technical Community College graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 68% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years (students who started in 2022).
- Former students earned a median of $36,207 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Earnings compared
Trade and career programs at McDowell Technical Community College
Certificate and associate programs in the trades we track. One-year earnings are for graduates of 2020-21 and 2021-22, four-year earnings for graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, both in 2024 dollars.
| Program | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 31 | $19,261 | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 22 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 18 | $58,304 | $58,008 | n/a |
| HVAC | Certificate | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Certificate | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 608 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 65% women, 35% men
- 8 students for every faculty member
- Setting: rural, near a city
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get into McDowell Technical Community College?
No. McDowell Technical Community College has open admission for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may have extra requirements.
How much does McDowell Technical Community College cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $2,032 for in-state students and $6,640 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $5,562 a year in 2024-25.
What is the graduation rate at McDowell Technical Community College?
68% of first-time, full-time students finished within three years.
How much do McDowell Technical Community College graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $36,207 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in North Carolina · McDowell Technical Community College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.