Trade and career programs at Gaston 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPN and CNA | Certificate | 223 | $53,251 | $61,734 | n/a |
| Welding | Certificate | 58 | $39,568 | $47,775 | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Certificate | 54 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Electrician | Certificate | 42 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Certificate | 41 | $30,509 | n/a | n/a |
| HVAC | Certificate | 28 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Certificate | 25 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical assistant | Associate degree | 19 | n/a | $33,980 | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Associate degree | 14 | $31,762 | $34,994 | n/a |
| Electrician | Associate degree | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Auto and diesel mechanic | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| EMT, surgical tech and imaging | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Medical billing and coding | Certificate | 7 | n/a | $30,400 | n/a |
| Cosmetology and barbering | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Certificate | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Paralegal | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Welding | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Phlebotomy and medical lab | Certificate | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Gaston College cost
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $3,229 |
|---|---|
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $14,217 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $3,981 |
Net price by family income
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $3,196 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $3,264 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $4,548 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $9,171 |
| Over $110,000 | $3,125 |
Program prices often differ from the school-wide figure, and tools, uniforms or licensing exams can add to them. Ask the school for the full price of the program you want.
Outcomes and students
- 60% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal program length (students who started in fall 2022 or the 2022-23 year).
- 54% of first-time students came back or finished after the first year.
- Former students earned a median of $39,978 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- 27% of students receive a federal Pell Grant.
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Gaston College cost?
Tuition and fees are $3,229 a year (2025-26). After grants, aided students paid an average net price of $3,981 in 2024-25.
What is the completion rate at Gaston College?
60% of first-time, full-time students finished within 150% of the normal time for their program.
How much do Gaston College graduates earn?
LPN and CNA certificate graduates had the highest median earnings of the programs we track: $53,251 one year after finishing.
Is Gaston College accredited?
Gaston College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, according to the Department of Education.
Other trade schools nearby
- Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh: $2,284 a year
- Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville: $2,344 a year
- Pitt Community College, Winterville: $2,680 a year
- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville: $2,882 a year
- Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Salisbury: $2,080 a year
- Alamance Community College, Graham: $2,592 a year
More: all trade schools in North Carolina · Gaston College on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.