Cleveland Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,746
In-state $2,602
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,558
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
10.6%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 13.5%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Cleveland Community College (CCC) is a vital educational institution located in Shelby, North Carolina. Established in 1965, CCC has become a cornerstone for higher education in the region, providing a diverse range of academic programs and vocational training aimed at fostering both personal and professional development. The college is committed to accessibility and affordability, making higher education attainable for a broad demographic of students. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, CCC plays a significant role in the local area, offering continuing education opportunities, workforce development programs, and various outreach initiatives designed to support both students and the surrounding community.
The college is renowned for its dedicated faculty and staff, who are deeply committed to student success. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and support, which enhances their learning experience. CCC offers a variety of programs across different fields, including healthcare, business, and technology, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market. The college's modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, provide an enriched learning environment. Furthermore, CCC promotes a vibrant campus culture with a variety of student organizations and activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging among students. As CCC continues to evolve, it remains focused on equipping its graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen careers, contributing positively to the workforce and society at large.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Cleveland Community College
Cleveland Community College has shown significant trends in several critical metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from $2,302 in 2014 to $2,602 in 2024, marking a notable rise of approximately 13%. This gradual increase reflects a broader trend in higher education where tuition costs have consistently outpaced inflation, posing challenges for prospective students and their families.
In terms of student enrollment, there has been a concerning decline in the number of undergraduate students, from 3,398 in 2013 to just 1,946 in 2023. This drop of over 42% could be indicative of various factors, including demographic shifts, changes in the job market, and increasing competition from online education options. The decline in enrollment is particularly troubling as it may impact the institution's financial stability and its ability to offer diverse programs and resources.
Graduation rates have also been a point of concern. The timely graduation rate for undergraduates peaked in 2021 at approximately 25.65% but has since decreased to about 14.52% in 2023. This decline suggests that students may be facing increasing challenges in completing their degrees on time, which could be linked to factors such as financial strain or insufficient academic support.
Retention rates have fluctuated significantly, with a peak of approximately 65.69% in 2018, followed by a drastic fall to around 21.74% in 2023. This sharp decrease raises alarms about the institution's ability to keep students engaged and enrolled, which is vital for both student success and institutional health.
Overall, while Cleveland Community College has maintained affordable tuition rates relative to many institutions, the declining enrollment, graduation, and retention rates warrant urgent attention to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed. Addressing these issues could help reverse negative trends and enhance the college's reputation and effectiveness in serving its community.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Distant town
- Nearest major city
- Charlotte, about 40 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 30 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Jason Hurst (President)
- Phone
- 7046694081
- City
- Shelby, North Carolina
- Address
- 137 S Post Rd, Shelby, NC 28152-6224
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Cleveland Community College
The graduation data from Cleveland Community College reveals significant insights into the trends in various academic programs for the year 2023. Notably, the majority of graduates received an associate degree, with the highest number coming from the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, which alone accounted for 248 graduates. This could indicate a strong interest in foundational education, which often serves as a stepping stone to further academic pursuits or diverse career paths.
Interestingly, health-related fields such as Registered Nursing and Radiologic Technology also show substantial graduation numbers, with 24 and 11 graduates respectively. This reflects the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly following the heightened awareness of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consistent focus on these programs aligns with national trends that show a growing employment need in the healthcare sector.
Conversely, there were no graduates in bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs across all categories, which may suggest a potential gap in advanced educational offerings or a lack of enrollment in these levels of study. This absence raises questions about the future academic trajectory for students who complete their associate degrees—whether they are encouraged to transfer to four-year institutions or seek employment directly.
Furthermore, the lack of international students graduating across all degree types indicates a pressing need for community colleges to enhance their appeal to this demographic. With the global increase in student mobility, expanding international programs could benefit both the institution and the local economy.
Overall, the graduation data reflects current market needs and highlights areas for potential growth and development within Cleveland Community College’s educational offerings.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $34,114 | |
| General Studies. | $34,114 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other. | $34,114 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Office Management/Administration. | - | |
| Medical/Clinical Assistant. | - | |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $54,482 | |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $54,482 | |
| Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $54,482 | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $81,686 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Office Management and Supervision. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $54,052 | |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Automation Engineer Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology. | - |
Students
1,558 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 20.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 769
- First-year undergraduates 115
- Transfers and others 674
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,558)
Data insights
Cleveland Community College Student Demographics in 2023
The student composition at Cleveland Community College for the year 2023 reveals a diverse and dynamic educational environment. With a total of 164 new undergraduate students, the gender distribution shows a relatively balanced ratio, where approximately 54.3% are male and 45.7% are female. This indicates a welcoming atmosphere for new male students, while also acknowledging the presence of a significant number of female students.
In contrast, the returning undergraduate population, which stands at 1,120, shows a strikingly different gender ratio, with only 32.1% of the students being male and a notable 67.9% female. This trend reflects a common observation in higher education where female students tend to be more prevalent in returning cohorts, potentially due to various factors such as academic success and retention rates among women.
The transfer student demographic consists of 88 students, with a gender ratio of 28.4% male to 71.6% female, further illustrating the trend of higher female representation in higher education. The non-degree seeking students, numbering 574, exhibit a similar pattern with 32.1% male and 67.9% female.
When delving into the racial composition of these student groups, the data indicates a predominance of white students across all categories, with significant representation from other racial groups as well. This demographic snapshot not only highlights the gender disparities but also raises important questions about inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups in the academic landscape.
Overall, the data from Cleveland Community College reflects ongoing trends in higher education regarding gender distribution and diversity, presenting opportunities for targeted support and engagement strategies to foster an inclusive academic environment for all students.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Cleveland Community College
The age demographic data for students at Cleveland Community College reveals some interesting trends regarding the composition of its student body. A significant proportion of students, approximately 40% (833 out of 1,000), are under the age of 18, primarily consisting of undergraduate females. This indicates that the college may serve as a strong entry point for younger students transitioning from high school to higher education.
As we move up the age brackets, there is a noticeable decline in student numbers. For instance, the 18-19 age group has approximately 23% (431 out of 1,000) of the total student population, which is still a considerable number but reflects an inevitable drop-off as age increases. The trend continues with only 16% of students falling within the 20-21 age range, highlighting a potential challenge in retaining students as they progress through their educational journey.
Interestingly, there are no graduate male students recorded in any age category, which may point to a gender disparity in graduate programs at the college. The absence of graduate programs for males in this dataset could suggest a need for Cleveland Community College to explore avenues for encouraging male participation in further studies.
Furthermore, the data shows that older age groups, particularly those aged 40 and above, comprise a significantly smaller percentage of the student body, with only about 6% of students aged 40-49 and less than 1% for those over 65. This trend is reflective of broader societal patterns where younger individuals are increasingly pursuing higher education while older populations may face barriers to returning to school.
Overall, Cleveland Community College appears to have a strong representation of younger students, particularly women, but may face challenges in engaging and retaining students as they age. Addressing these issues could be essential for the college's future growth and inclusivity in education.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
10 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at Cleveland Community College
The data regarding international students at Cleveland Community College reveals a significant fluctuation in the enrollment of international students over the years. In the early years, notably from 2004 to 2007, the number of international students was exceptionally low, with percentages hovering around 0.03% to 0.07%. However, a notable increase occurred around 2011, where the percentage surged to 0.64%, indicating a growing openness to international students and possibly improved recruitment strategies.
This trend continued, peaking in 2019 with an impressive 0.82%. Such numbers suggest that the college has become increasingly attractive to international students, which can be attributed to various factors, including enhanced academic programs, support services, and possibly the college's reputation in certain disciplines. The data from 2020 to 2023 shows a decline in total enrollment, but international student percentages remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 0.35% to 0.55%.
The presence of international students is critical in fostering a diverse educational environment, which benefits all students by promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. As global mobility resumes post-pandemic, Cleveland Community College may need to focus on strategies to attract and retain international students to ensure a vibrant academic community. The positive trajectory observed in certain years can serve as a foundation for future growth, emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement with international student markets.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$11,446
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,746
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $2,602
- Room and board
- $2,700
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 2% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 0%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$42.2M
Expenses$35.7M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 61 | - |
| Basketball | 15 | 11 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Cross Country | 7 | 5 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 8 | 3 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 60 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 9 |
| Softball | - | 18 |
| Volleyball | - | 8 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 4 | 3 |
| Cross Country | 4 | 3 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 32 | - |
| Softball | - | 13 |
| Cross Country | 3 | 3 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 3 | - |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Wofford CollegeSpartanburg · 33.3 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 39.6 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte · 43.0 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Furman UniversityGreenville · 58.9 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Clemson UniversityClemson · 86.6 mi
U.S. News #80
-
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem · 90.2 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia · 92.5 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · 109.1 mi
U.S. News #208
-
North Carolina A&T State UniversityGreensboro · 111.0 mi
U.S. News #219
Data insights
Here are some notable schools around Cleveland Community College:
-
Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious research university located in Durham, North Carolina. Known for its strong programs in law, business, and medicine, it attracts students from around the globe.
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - As the 22nd ranked university, UNC Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research and public service.
-
Wake Forest University - Ranked 51st, Wake Forest is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is known for its rigorous academics and commitment to the liberal arts.
-
Clemson University - With a rank of 85, Clemson University is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. It is celebrated for its engineering, business, and agriculture programs.
-
Furman University - This liberal arts university is ranked 46th and is located in Greenville, South Carolina. Furman is distinguished for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.
-
Davidson College - Ranked 16th, Davidson College is a highly selective liberal arts college in Davidson, North Carolina. It is recognized for its strong academic programs and commitment to the development of the whole person.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and have distinguished themselves in various fields.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Cleveland Community College
The crime data from Cleveland Community College presents an interesting picture over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the institution has maintained a remarkably low crime rate, with only one recorded incident of gun-related arrest in 2015, resulting in a crime rate of 0.33 per 1,000 students for that year. This translates to only 0.03% of the student population being involved in any criminal activity, which is commendable.
From 2016 to 2023, the data shows a consistent absence of reported crimes, indicating that the college has successfully created a safe environment for its students. Such low crime rates can contribute positively to the institution's reputation, attracting prospective students and their families who prioritize safety in their educational choices.
Furthermore, the lack of incidents such as drug or alcohol-related arrests underscores the effectiveness of the college's prevention and intervention programs. This is especially significant considering the national trends where many campuses face challenges related to substance abuse and violence.
In a time where discussions around campus safety are increasingly in the spotlight, Cleveland Community College's data stands out as a positive example. It reflects the efforts of the administration, campus security, and the community in fostering a safe learning environment. Maintaining open dialogues about safety and continuing to implement preventive measures will be crucial for sustaining this positive trend.
For more insights on calculating crime rates, please visit: crime rate calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.