Rockingham Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$6,574
In-state $1,966
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,803
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
28.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 33.7%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Rockingham Community College (RCC) is a well-established institution located in Wentworth, North Carolina. Known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment, RCC offers a wide array of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its students. The college provides both associate degrees and certificate programs, aiming to prepare graduates for successful careers or further education. With a focus on practical skills and hands-on learning, RCC emphasizes the importance of workforce development, ensuring students are well-equipped to thrive in their chosen fields.
The college prides itself on its strong sense of community and student engagement. RCC's campus is home to various student organizations and clubs, promoting a vibrant campus culture that encourages collaboration and personal growth. The college’s motto, “Success Starts Here,” reflects its dedication to empowering students through education and support. With a talented faculty committed to student success and a variety of resources, including modern facilities and technology, Rockingham Community College continues to be a valuable asset to the local community, fostering an environment where students can achieve their academic and career aspirations.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Rockingham Community College
Rockingham Community College has demonstrated notable trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student retention rates, and graduation rates.
Firstly, the tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students have seen a steady increase from $1,832 in 2014 to $1,966 by 2024. This represents a significant rise in expenses for students, which may impact enrollment decisions, especially given the relatively low graduation and retention rates. For out-of-state undergraduates, the tuition also increased, indicating a broader trend in rising educational costs that is increasingly becoming a burden for students and their families.
Retention rates have fluctuated, peaking at approximately 67% in 2018, but have since declined to around 49% in 2023. This decline raises concerns about student satisfaction and support services at the college. High retention rates are critical for institutional success, as they often correlate with improved graduation rates and overall student success.
Graduation rates have shown some variability as well. The on-time graduation rate peaked at around 28% in 2021, but dropped to about 4% in 2023. The 150% graduation rate, which accounts for extended completion times, shows a more favorable trend, reaching 33.5% in 2023. This disparity suggests that while fewer students are graduating on time, more are completing their degrees eventually, which could indicate issues with student preparedness or external challenges faced during their studies.
Lastly, the gender distribution among undergraduates has remained relatively stable, with women consistently outnumbering men. This trend aligns with national patterns in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.
In conclusion, while Rockingham Community College has maintained a consistent tuition structure, the challenges in retention and graduation rates highlight the need for improved student engagement and support initiatives to foster a more conducive learning environment. Addressing these issues is essential for enhancing student outcomes and institutional reputation.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, near a city
- Nearest major city
- Greensboro, about 20 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), about 20 mi
- Also known as
- RCC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Sylvia Cox (President)
- Phone
- 3363424261
- City
- Wentworth, North Carolina
- Address
- 215 Wrenn Memorial Road, Wentworth, NC 27375
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Data at Rockingham Community College
The graduate data from Rockingham Community College for 2023 reveals some noteworthy trends, particularly in the realm of associate degrees. Notably, the program in Registered Nursing stands out, producing 42 graduates, which is indicative of the high demand for healthcare professionals. This aligns with national trends, where nursing roles are projected to grow significantly due to an aging population and an increasing focus on health services.
Similarly, the General Studies program recorded 109 graduates, suggesting a strong interest in a flexible, broad educational pathway that may appeal to students unsure of their specific career trajectory. This could reflect a growing trend among students who are looking to explore various disciplines before committing to a specialized field.
In contrast, several programs reported no graduates at all, which may signal a need for curriculum evaluation or improved recruitment efforts. For example, fields such as Emergency Medical Technology and various technical programs showed no completion rates, which raises questions about student engagement and program effectiveness.
Moreover, the absence of international students graduating from these programs indicates potential barriers to entry for non-domestic students, which could benefit from targeted outreach and support strategies. As community colleges play a crucial role in workforce development, addressing these gaps could enhance the overall educational landscape and better meet local labor market needs.
In summary, while some programs exhibit robust engagement and outcomes, others are lagging, presenting an opportunity for the college to reassess its offerings and strategies to boost enrollment and graduation rates across all disciplines.
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. | $23,489 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Office Management/Administration. | - | |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic). | $58,860 | |
| Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist. | $58,860 | |
| Surgical Technology/Technologist. | $58,860 | |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $69,759 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations. | - |
Students
1,803 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 38:62 · Freshman retention 68.3%
- Continuing undergraduates 717
- First-year undergraduates 125
- Transfers and others 961
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,803)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Rockingham Community College in 2023
The student composition data from Rockingham Community College for the year 2023 reveals insightful trends regarding gender distribution and ethnic diversity among different categories of students. The total population of undergraduate freshmen stands at 269, with a noteworthy female representation of 53.9%, indicating a healthy balance towards female enrollment. In contrast, the undergraduate juniors show a significant female majority at 69.3%, suggesting that the institution may be more appealing to women at this level of education.
Undergraduate transfer students, although fewer in number with only 71 enrolled, also display a strong female presence at 70.4%. This trend may reflect broader societal shifts towards increasing female participation in higher education, a pattern observed nationwide.
The overall data for the total student body indicates a more male-dominated environment, particularly in the undergraduate junior category, where only 30.7% of students are male. This could raise questions about the support and engagement strategies for male students at the institution, as it appears that women are thriving in these educational avenues.
In terms of ethnic diversity, while specific breakdowns for those categories are not fully available, the predominance of white students in the overall demographic is evident. This aligns with national statistics where white students often make up a significant portion of community college enrollments.
In conclusion, Rockingham Community College's 2023 data illustrates a complex picture of gender dynamics and racial representation, emphasizing the need for targeted initiatives to maintain and enhance diversity, inclusivity, and support across all student demographics.
Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Rockingham Community College
The age distribution of students at Rockingham Community College reveals significant trends in enrollment across different age groups. The data indicates a strong presence of younger students, particularly those under 18 and aged 18-19, who account for approximately 35% and 38% of the total male and female student populations, respectively. This trend is consistent with national statistics showing that community colleges often attract high school graduates seeking affordable education options.
As the age increases, the number of students significantly declines, with the 20-21 age group comprising only about 11% of the total student body. This suggests a potential drop-off in enrollment as students transition to other educational pathways or workforce opportunities. Notably, there are no graduate students enrolled, which may reflect a focus on undergraduate programs or a lack of graduate offerings at the institution.
Moreover, the data shows that female students outnumber male students across all age categories, with the highest female enrollment in the 25-29 age range. This could indicate a growing trend of women pursuing higher education, aligning with broader societal shifts toward gender equity in education.
Interestingly, the enrollment of students aged 50 and above remains minimal, which may highlight barriers to access for older adults. This demographic trend points to a potential area for community colleges to explore in order to create inclusive programs for lifelong learners.
Overall, the age composition at Rockingham Community College underscores the importance of targeted outreach and support for both younger and older students, ensuring that diverse educational needs are met in the community.
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 · 0.3% in 2016
Data insights
Decline in International Student Enrollment at Rockingham Community College
The data from Rockingham Community College reveals a concerning trend in international student enrollment over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international students enrolled in undergraduate programs has sharply declined. In 2004, there were 20 international students, constituting approximately 0.97% of the total undergraduate population. However, by 2023, this number had dwindled to just 9 students, representing only 0.53% of the undergraduate cohort.
This significant decrease in international enrollment is indicative of broader trends affecting community colleges across the United States. Factors contributing to this decline may include stricter visa regulations, increasing tuition costs, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global mobility and led to a more cautious approach among prospective international students.
Moreover, the fluctuating percentages highlight the volatility of international student numbers at the college. For instance, the peak percentage of international students occurred in 2013, where they made up 1.29% of the undergraduate population. Yet, many subsequent years saw drastic reductions, with some years reporting fewer than 1% of enrollment from international students.
As community colleges play a vital role in providing accessible education, the diminishing presence of international students could have implications for cultural diversity, campus life, and financial stability. This trend warrants attention as institutions may need to reassess their recruitment strategies and support systems to attract and retain international students in the coming years.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$14,174
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $6,574
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $1,966
- Room and board
- $7,600
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$33.8M
Expenses$22.5M
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 III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 7 |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 36 | - |
| NJCAA Division III | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 29 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 10 |
| Cross Country | 1 | 1 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
North Carolina A&T State UniversityGreensboro · 21.8 mi
U.S. News #219
-
University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · 22.3 mi
U.S. News #208
-
Elon UniversityElon · 24.3 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Wake Forest UniversityWinston-Salem · 33.9 mi
U.S. News #34
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill · 51.4 mi
U.S. News #27
-
Duke UniversityDurham · 53.0 mi
U.S. News #8
-
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg · 68.7 mi
U.S. News #52
-
North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh · 73.5 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Davidson CollegeDavidson · 86.4 mi
Liberal Arts #16
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Rockingham Community College:
-
Duke University - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Duke University is a prestigious research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong academic programs and competitive athletics. For more information, visit Duke University.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This university ranks 22nd and is renowned for its research, public service, and vibrant campus life. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Learn more at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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Wake Forest University - With a rank of 51, Wake Forest is known for its commitment to a liberal arts education and fostering a close-knit community. It offers a diverse set of programs, emphasizing both academic and personal growth. Check out more at Wake Forest University.
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University of Virginia-Main Campus - Holding the 25th spot, the University of Virginia is famous for its historic campus and strong traditions in education and public service. It offers a robust selection of programs across various disciplines. More details can be found at University of Virginia-Main Campus.
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North Carolina State University at Raleigh - Ranked 61st, NC State is known for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and agricultural sciences. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Visit North Carolina State University at Raleigh for further information.
These institutions offer a variety of programs and opportunities for students in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Crime Trends at Rockingham Community College
The crime data from Rockingham Community College over the past decade reveals notable fluctuations in the rates of various offenses. In 2013, the college recorded a crime rate of 0.89 per 1,000 students, which was relatively low. However, in subsequent years, the crime rate experienced a peak in 2016, reaching 2.89 per 1,000 students, primarily driven by an increase in firearm-related arrests. This trend raises concerns, particularly given the ongoing national dialogue surrounding campus safety and gun control.
Interestingly, the years 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2021 saw zero recorded incidents, suggesting effective safety measures or perhaps a lack of reporting. Nevertheless, the return of minor incidents in 2022, with a rate of 0.64 per 1,000 students, indicates that vigilance is still necessary. The data points to a pattern where crime rates can vary significantly from year to year, underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive measures to enhance campus safety.
The presence of various types of offenses, including drug and alcohol-related arrests, adds complexity to the understanding of crime in this educational environment. As institutions of higher learning grapple with these challenges, it is crucial to foster a culture of safety and awareness among students and staff alike. The data serves as a reminder that while progress can be made, the work to ensure a secure and supportive campus community is ongoing.
For further insights on crime rates and their implications, you can refer to this calculation method link.
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.