The mission of the North Carolina Community College System is to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals by providing:
Education, training and retraining for the workforce including basic skills and literacy education, occupational and pre-baccalaureate programs.
Support for economic development through services to and in partnership with business and industry and in collaboration with the University of North Carolina System and private colleges and universities.
Services to communities and individuals which improve the quality of life.
You will gain a competitive edge in the marketplace once you complete training with one of the North Carolina trade schools, colleges, or universities. The amazing selection of programs will prepare you for a web design, accounting, massage therapy, or culinary arts career, just to give you a small sample of what is offered.
Get ready to make an investment. Students who put the time and money into a four-year education will reap the benefits throughout their lives. Though four-year schools require at least twice the amount of time as two-year schools AND three times the tuition, they offer students on- and off-campus learning opportunities you simply can’t find anywhere else.
Who Goes There
Those who want a well-rounded education and a flexible degree. While four-year students are required to take a much broader range of courses than two-year vocational students, four-year students graduate with degrees that can be used for a wide spectrum of jobs in the real world.
What You’ll Take
Everything—math, biology, English, history, even music therapy. Although four-year students typically spend the first two years taking generalized courses then the last two years taking courses in their major, students are free to take electives in any field of study.
Other Learning Opportunities
This is where four-year institutions shine. In addition to in-class learning, four-year institutions offer an enormous spectrum of on- and off-campus learning opportunities. On campus you can attend performances, cultural events, and guest lecture series, as well as participate in student-run clubs and honor societies. Students also go off campus for service-learning projects, study abroad trips, internships, cooperative education programs, and field trips.
