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Public, 2-year

Sampson Community College

Clinton, North Carolina · www.sampsoncc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$9,789

In-state $2,877

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,526

Student-faculty ratio 8:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

52.5%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 56.4%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Sampson Community College, located in Clinton, North Carolina, is renowned for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Established in 1964, the college offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates across various fields, such as health sciences, information technology, and business administration. The college prides itself on its small class sizes and personalized attention, allowing students to engage closely with their instructors and gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and technology resources, ensuring that students have access to the tools they need to succeed academically.

The college's mission is encapsulated in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the community it serves, and it actively promotes an inclusive and diverse environment. Sampson Community College emphasizes student engagement through various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations that foster a sense of community among students. The college also places a strong focus on career readiness, offering services such as career counseling, job fairs, and internships that help students transition smoothly into the workforce. With a dedicated faculty and a range of support services, Sampson Community College remains a vital institution for higher education in the region, empowering students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Sampson Community College

Sampson Community College presents a variety of metrics that reflect its evolving educational landscape. Notably, the graduation rates for undergraduate students have exhibited significant fluctuation over the years. In 2013, the timely graduation rate was approximately 23.89%, peaking at about 30.97% in 2021 before slightly declining to 26.09% in 2023. This trend suggests an overall improvement in graduation outcomes, potentially indicating enhanced academic support or student engagement initiatives.

Another vital metric is the student retention rate, which has seen a considerable rise. Starting at around 45.20% in 2013, the retention rate spiked to 69.44% in 2021, followed by a slight decrease to 59.26% in 2023. This upward trajectory reflects the institution's commitment to keeping students enrolled, which is essential for both student success and institutional stability. The retention rate is crucial as it often correlates with student satisfaction and overall performance.

The tuition costs have also evolved, particularly for in-state students, which increased from $2,365 in 2014 to $3,163 in subsequent years. This significant rise in tuition could impact enrollment numbers, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds, and warrants consideration of the college's financial aid policies.

Lastly, the gender distribution among undergraduate students has remained relatively stable, with female students consistently making up a larger proportion of the population, hovering around 67% to 69%. This gender ratio is important for understanding demographic trends and tailoring programs to meet the needs of the student body.

In conclusion, while Sampson Community College has made strides in improving graduation and retention rates, the rising tuition costs may pose challenges for future student enrollment. The college's ongoing efforts to enhance support services will be crucial to sustaining these positive trends.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Raleigh, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), about 70 mi
Clinton, North Carolina
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
William J. Starling (President)
Phone
91059280812017
City
Clinton, North Carolina
Address
Highway 24 West, Clinton, NC 28328-0318

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3245 international (1.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
132
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
49
Welding Technology/Welder
16
Business Administration and Management, General
13
Information Technology
12
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
11
Accounting and Finance
10
Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production
9
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
9
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
8

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Sampson Community College

The graduation data from Sampson Community College for 2023 presents a noteworthy picture, particularly highlighting the dominance of certain programs in terms of graduation numbers. A significant observation is the high number of graduates in Liberal Arts and Sciences, which recorded 108 graduates, including four international students. This may reflect a broader trend in higher education where flexible and interdisciplinary programs attract a diverse student body, catering to various career paths.

In the medical and health-related fields, Registered Nursing produced 35 graduates, emphasizing the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. This aligns with reports indicating a growing shortage of nurses in the healthcare system, thus showing that institutions like Sampson Community College are playing a crucial role in workforce preparation.

Conversely, several technical and vocational programs such as Logistics, Heating and Air Conditioning, and Cosmetology had minimal graduation numbers. This could suggest either a lack of interest in these fields or possibly a need for improved marketing and recruitment strategies to attract students to these essential trades.

Moreover, it is interesting to note that many programs reported zero graduates at the bachelor's, master's, and doctorate levels, indicating a possible gap in advanced educational offerings or student interest at those levels. This could be an area for strategic development to enhance educational pathways and meet local job market demands.

Overall, Sampson Community College's graduation data reflects both strengths in certain disciplines and opportunities for growth in others, indicative of the dynamic nature of community college education in response to labor market needs.

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

Liberal arts has 141 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.-
General Studies.-
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.-
Health professionshas 71 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Medical Office Management/Administration.-
Medical/Clinical Assistant.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions, Other.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$84,083
Businesshas 25 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.$36,150
Office Management and Supervision.$36,150
Accounting and Finance.-
Agricultural has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.-
Animal/Livestock Husbandry and Production.-
Precision production has 16 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Construction trades has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrician.-
Building/Property Maintenance.-
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection, Other.-
Computer and information sciencehas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Technology.-
Culinary has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General.-
Educationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Mechanic and repair has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Homeland security has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-

Students

1,526 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 66.0%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,526)

White
615 · 40.3%
Hispanic
531 · 34.8%
Black
277 · 18.2%
Two or more races
42 · 2.8%
International
15 · 1.0%
Unknown
12 · 0.8%
Asian
6 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
38.3%
18–19
24.7%
20–21
9.5%
22–24
6.7%
25 and over
20.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Sampson Community College in 2023

In 2023, Sampson Community College presents a diverse student body, with notable differences in gender representation across various classifications. The data indicates that undergraduate freshmen constitute a significant portion of the student population, totaling 192 individuals. Among these students, 37.5% are male, while a majority of 62.5% are female. This trend continues with undergraduate sophomores, who number 633, displaying an even greater gender disparity, with only 28.4% male representation compared to 71.6% female.

Undergraduate transfer students represent a smaller group, with 66 individuals, maintaining a similar gender ratio as sophomores, with 28.8% male and 71.2% female. The overall representation of males in the college is modest, reflecting a broader trend in higher education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males.

The data also highlights the ethnic composition of the student body. Although specific numbers for ethnic subdivisions in the current year are not fully provided, previous years have shown that White students make up a notable segment, alongside other ethnic groups like Asian, Hispanic, and African American students. This diversity is essential for fostering an inclusive educational environment that reflects the society we live in.

Overall, while there are encouraging signs of diversity, the pronounced gender imbalance among undergraduates suggests that further efforts may be necessary to engage male students in higher education, particularly in community colleges, which play a crucial role in accessible education.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Sampson Community College

The age distribution data of students at Sampson Community College reveals several noteworthy trends. A significant portion of the student body consists of individuals under the age of 18, accounting for approximately 34.5% of total students, with a total of 604 students in this category. This demographic likely represents high school students taking dual-enrollment courses, which is a growing trend in community colleges across the United States.

As we move into the 18-19 age bracket, there is a slight decline in enrollment, with about 30.5% of students. The numbers continue to decrease progressively across older age groups, with only 11.6% of students aged 20-21 and minimal representation for those aged 30 and above. The data indicates a sharp drop in students aged 50-64 and over 65, with only 27 students in these categories combined. This trend is consistent with national statistics showing that younger students dominate the community college landscape, as they often serve as a bridge for transitioning from high school to higher education.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students in the male category, which may reflect a broader trend in community colleges where undergraduate programs are more prevalent. This lack of graduate representation could suggest a need for colleges to develop programs that cater to adult learners seeking advanced degrees.

In conclusion, the age demographics at Sampson Community College highlight the institution's role in serving a younger population while also pointing to potential opportunities for attracting older students, particularly those interested in continuing education and graduate programs.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.0%

15 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.0%2019: 2.9%2020: 1.1%2021: 1.5%2022: 0.8%2023: 0.8%2024: 0.8%2025: 1.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Sampson Community College

The data on international student enrollment at Sampson Community College reveals significant trends from 2008 to 2023. Initially, the number of international undergraduate students was modest, with only five students enrolled in 2008, representing a mere 0.39% of the total undergraduate population. Over the years, this number fluctuated, reaching notable peaks in 2019 with 38 international students, which constituted an impressive 2.94% of the undergraduate body.

However, after 2019, there appears to be a decline in the percentage of international students, dropping to 1.12% in 2020 and further down to 0.75% by 2023. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel and education, leading to decreased enrollment numbers.

It is worth noting that during the years of growth in international student enrollment, the appeal of community colleges as cost-effective options for higher education played a role. As these institutions often provide accessible pathways for international students, a resurgence in enrollment could occur as global travel restrictions ease and the educational landscape normalizes.

While the data does not provide insights into graduate student enrollment, the trends in undergraduate international students reflect broader patterns observed in U.S. higher education, where community colleges have been increasingly recognized for their diversity and inclusion efforts. The college may need to implement strategic initiatives to attract and retain international students, tapping into the rich cultural perspectives they bring to campus.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$25,489

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$9,789
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$2,877
Room and board
$15,700
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 15% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 48%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$24.4M

Government grants and contracts
$21.3M87.3%
Tuition and fees
$876K3.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$351K1.4%
Investment return
$22K0.1%
Other
$1.9M7.6%

Expenses$22.7M

Instruction
$9.9M43.6%
Institutional support
$3.8M16.9%
Scholarships
$3.0M13.2%
Academic support
$1.4M6.2%
Student services
$1.1M4.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$577K2.5%
Other
$2.9M12.9%

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.

All faculty
$51,800peers $68,588
Instructor
$51,800peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near Sampson Community College:

  1. 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 rigorous academic programs, strong athletic tradition, and beautiful campus.

  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - As the 22nd ranked university, UNC Chapel Hill is renowned for its commitment to research and public service. It boasts a vibrant campus life and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. Wake Forest University - With a rank of 47, Wake Forest is a private university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It is known for its emphasis on liberal arts education and its strong sense of community.

  4. East Carolina University - Ranked 195th, East Carolina University offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is particularly noted for its health sciences programs.

  5. North Carolina State University at Raleigh - This university ranks 60th and is recognized for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and design. It is located in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle.

  6. University of North Carolina Wilmington - Holding the 201st rank, this university is known for its beautiful coastal campus and strong programs in marine biology, business, and the arts.

These institutions represent a mix of research universities and liberal arts colleges, each offering unique opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Weapons arrests
6
Motor vehicle theft
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trends in Campus Crime at Sampson Community College

The data from Sampson Community College reveals noteworthy trends in campus crime over the past decade. In 2013, the institution reported a relatively low crime rate of 1.98 incidents per 1,000 students, but this number saw a significant increase in subsequent years, peaking at 6.50 in 2016. This spike may be attributed to various factors, including heightened awareness and reporting of incidents, as well as potential changes in campus policies or the student population.

Interestingly, there was a marked decline in reported crimes following 2016, with some years, like 2015 and 2021, showing a complete absence of recorded incidents. This could suggest effective crime prevention measures or possibly underreporting during those years. The most common category of crime reported across the years was gun-related arrests, which raises ongoing concerns about campus safety and the need for continued vigilance.

The fluctuations in crime rates highlight the importance of consistent reporting and transparency in campus safety measures. As colleges across the nation continue to grapple with issues related to student safety, the trends at Sampson Community College can serve as a case study for other institutions aiming to enhance their own safety protocols. Maintaining a low crime rate is crucial for fostering a secure environment conducive to learning and personal development.

For those interested in understanding how these rates are calculated, further information can be found at: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

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.