Tri-County Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,652
In-state $2,508
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
1,023
Student-faculty ratio 13:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
53.6%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 60.9%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Tri-County Community College, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant institution that exemplifies the spirit of community-focused education. With its mission to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities, the college serves a diverse student population. One of its key features is the emphasis on personalized learning, with small class sizes that foster close interactions between students and faculty. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also ensures that students receive the support they need to succeed academically and personally.
The college offers a wide range of programs, from associate degrees to vocational training, catering to various interests and career paths. Tri-County Community College takes pride in its modern facilities, equipped with advanced technology and resources that facilitate hands-on learning. The campus culture promotes active student engagement through clubs, organizations, and events, creating a strong sense of community. Additionally, the college's commitment to student success is evident in its comprehensive support services, including career counseling and academic advising. With a focus on workforce development, Tri-County Community College prepares its graduates for a successful transition into the job market, equipping them with the skills needed in today’s competitive environment.
Analysis of Key Data Points at Tri-County Community College
Tri-County Community College has experienced notable trends in several areas, particularly in graduation rates, student retention, and enrollment numbers. Over the years, the graduation rate for students completing their undergraduate programs within 150% of the expected time has shown a significant fluctuation. In 2013, only 10% of students graduated on time, but by 2022, this figure soared to approximately 31%. Such an increase suggests improvements in academic support and student engagement strategies, which may have contributed to better outcomes for students.
However, despite the improvements in graduation rates, the overall student enrollment has been on a decline. From 2014 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students decreased from 1,412 to 888. This sharp drop raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain students, which could impact funding and the overall educational environment. The college may need to explore new recruitment strategies or program offerings to reverse this trend.
Retention rates have also experienced fluctuations but have generally been in a stable range. The retention rate in 2013 was around 47%, and it improved to approximately 63% by 2023. A higher retention rate is typically indicative of student satisfaction and effective support systems, which could be a positive sign for the institution’s efforts in fostering a supportive academic environment.
Moreover, the student-to-faculty ratio has improved over the years, dropping from 20 students per faculty member in 2013 to 10 by 2022 and 2023. This decrease is crucial as it suggests more personalized attention for students, which can significantly enhance their educational experience.
In summary, while Tri-County Community College has made strides in improving graduation and retention rates, it faces challenges with declining enrollment that need to be addressed to ensure its future sustainability and success.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, remote
- Nearest major city
- Knoxville, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), about 100 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Donna Tipton-Rogers (President)
- Phone
- 8288376810
- City
- Murphy, North Carolina
- Address
- 21 Campus Circle, Murphy, NC 28906
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Tri-County Community College
The graduation data from Tri-County Community College for 2023 presents a clear picture of the institution's output across various programs, highlighting some noteworthy trends. Notably, the Liberal Arts and Sciences program stands out with an impressive graduation count of 162 students earning their associate degrees. This figure reflects a significant interest in liberal arts education, which is often perceived as a versatile backdrop for various career paths.
In contrast, many technical and health-related programs, such as Registered Nursing, Emergency Medical Technology, and several engineering disciplines, show minimal graduation numbers. For instance, the Registered Nursing program, despite its importance in the healthcare sector, reports only 12 graduates. This raises questions about the accessibility and appeal of these programs, especially given the ongoing demand for qualified healthcare professionals highlighted during the pandemic.
Additionally, the data indicates that there are no international students graduating from these programs, which could suggest a lack of diversity in the student body or challenges faced by international students in accessing these fields.
The absence of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees further illustrates that this community college predominantly serves as a stepping stone for associate degrees. As we observe the rising demand for skilled professionals in various sectors, Tri-County Community College may need to consider expanding its offerings and support systems to attract a broader range of students, including international candidates. This could enhance the college's reputation and better serve the local and global job markets.
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. | $27,322 | |
| General Studies. | $27,322 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Accounting and Finance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General. | - | |
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician. | - | |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology/Welder. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
Students
1,023 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 76.2%
- Continuing undergraduates 340
- First-year undergraduates 48
- Transfers and others 635
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,023)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Tri-County Community College
The enrollment data for Tri-County Community College in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the student demographics and gender ratios. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 92, with a significant majority of 60.9% being female students, indicating a growing trend of female representation in higher education. This aligns with national statistics that show an increasing number of women enrolling in colleges across the United States.
For undergraduate sophomores, the total enrollment is 303, which also reflects a predominance of female students at 64.4%. Such a disparity in gender ratios suggests that the college may be fostering an environment that appeals more to female students, perhaps due to supportive programs or initiatives tailored for them.
In the transfer student category, there are 25 individuals, with females comprising 56% of this group. Although this percentage is lower than that of freshmen and sophomores, it still indicates a notable female presence among transfer students.
The data also provides a glimpse into the ethnic composition of the student body. For instance, among the undergraduate freshmen, the majority of the students are white, with a smaller representation from other ethnic groups. This underscores the challenges that institutions face in promoting diversity and inclusivity within their student populations.
Overall, the demographic trends at Tri-County Community College highlight the importance of understanding gender and ethnic dynamics in shaping educational experiences. As the college continues to evolve, addressing these disparities will be crucial for fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Demographic Insights on Student Age Composition at Tri-County Community College
The age distribution of students at Tri-County Community College reveals interesting trends and highlights the predominance of younger individuals in the community college environment. Notably, the largest age group is under 18, comprising 173 male and 240 female students. This trend may reflect the increasing trend of high school students enrolling in dual credit programs, which are becoming increasingly popular across the United States.
As we analyze the data further, we observe a decline in student numbers as age increases. For example, the 18-19 age group has 74 male and 101 female students, while those aged 20-21 present a minor decrease with 42 male and 47 female students. This pattern continues into older age brackets, with only a handful of students aged 30-34 and above. This could indicate that community colleges primarily serve younger, first-time college students, while older individuals may seek alternative educational pathways or face different barriers to enrollment.
Interestingly, there are no graduate male students reported, while female graduate students, although limited in number, still contribute to the overall demographic. This absence of male graduate students could suggest a need for targeted recruitment efforts to engage this demographic effectively.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of community colleges in providing accessible education for younger populations. However, it also emphasizes the need to address the educational needs of older students, potentially allowing for a more diverse educational environment. As community colleges continue to evolve, understanding these demographic patterns will be essential for shaping future programs and initiatives.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Tri-County Community College
The data regarding international student enrollment at Tri-County Community College reveals some interesting trends over the years. From 2012 to 2022, the number of undergraduate students fluctuated, with a notable increase in the proportion of international students, particularly in 2020, where it peaked at 0.46%. This reflects a growing interest from international students in the programs offered by the college, despite the overall decline in total undergraduate enrollment in recent years.
In 2012 and 2013, the international student representation was minimal, at just 0.07%, indicating that the college may not have been a primary destination for international students at that time. However, the increase in 2019 to 0.21% and the significant rise in 2020 suggest that the college began to attract more international attention, possibly due to targeted recruitment efforts or enhanced program offerings that appeal to a global audience.
It is noteworthy that the numbers dropped again in 2021 and 2022, with only 0.10% of undergraduate students being international. This decline could be influenced by various factors, including the ongoing global pandemic, which has significantly affected international mobility and student enrollment patterns across educational institutions.
Overall, while the college demonstrates potential for growth in the international student sector, it also faces challenges that could impact future enrollment figures. The trends observed highlight the importance of adaptive strategies in recruitment and support for international students, especially in light of recent global events.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$26,140
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $8,652
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $2,508
- Room and board
- $17,488
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 141%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$21.7M
Expenses$14.4M
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 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
-
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville · 61.2 mi
U.S. News #109
-
Clemson UniversityClemson · 69.5 mi
U.S. News #80
-
University of GeorgiaAthens · 83.8 mi
U.S. News #52
-
Furman UniversityGreenville · 86.9 mi
Liberal Arts #57
-
Emory UniversityAtlanta · 90.6 mi
U.S. News #23
-
Agnes Scott CollegeDecatur · 91.6 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta · 92.7 mi
U.S. News #29
-
Georgia State UniversityAtlanta · 93.9 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Spelman CollegeAtlanta · 94.8 mi
Liberal Arts #34
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near Tri-County Community College:
-
Western Carolina University - Ranked 227 in the US News 2024 rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - With a ranking of 105, this comprehensive university is known for its strong research programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Clemson University - Ranked 86, Clemson is a leading research university in South Carolina, recognized for its engineering and business programs.
-
University of Georgia - This prestigious institution is ranked 47 and is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus in Athens, Georgia.
-
Emory University - A top-ranked university at 24, Emory is known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and law.
-
Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - With a rank of 33, Georgia Tech is renowned for its engineering and technology programs.
-
Vanderbilt University - This elite university is ranked 18 and is known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus community.
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
Analysis of Crime Data at Tri-County Community College
The crime data from Tri-County Community College presents a remarkably low level of criminal incidents over the past decade. Starting from 2013, the institution recorded zero incidents of crime until 2015, where two arrests related to gun possession were noted, leading to a crime rate of 1.57 per 1,000 students. This was a significant spike in comparison to the surrounding years, which consistently reported no incidents.
The years following 2015 saw a return to a zero-crime status, with no reports of any arrests or crimes recorded from 2016 to 2023. This data suggests a very safe environment for students, which is an encouraging sign for prospective students and their families. The absence of incidents such as drug-related arrests, alcohol-related arrests, or violent crimes like assault and robbery highlights the college's efforts in maintaining a secure campus atmosphere.
Such low crime rates can be attributed to various factors, including effective campus safety measures, student engagement in community programs, and possibly a strong sense of community among students and staff. In comparison to national trends, where higher education institutions often report varying levels of crime, Tri-County Community College stands out as a beacon of safety.
However, it's important to continuously promote awareness and proactive measures to maintain this low crime rate. The community should remain vigilant and engaged in fostering a safe educational environment. For more details on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to the following link: 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.