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Colleges / NC / Hickory
Catawba Valley Community College logo

Catawba Valley Community College

Public Hickory, NC · Urban · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
35%
Graduation Rate
$36,977
Earnings (10yr)
$10,528
Net Price
2,741
Enrollment

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Overview

Catawba Valley Community College is a solid choice for students looking to gain practical skills in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Construction Trades. With an enrollment of around 2,741, the college creates a close-knit environment where students can receive personalized attention. It stands out for its focus on hands-on training, making it a great fit for those who prefer a more applied approach to their education.

Life after graduation can be promising, especially considering the average earnings of $36,977 within ten years of completing a program. While the graduation rate sits at 35%, many students still find pathways to success, often moving into stable careers right after earning their degrees. Affordability is also a key factor here; with a net price of $10,528, students can pursue their studies without incurring significant debt.

Speaking of debt, the median student debt at Catawba Valley is just $4,938, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. This financial accessibility allows students to focus on their studies and jumpstart their careers without feeling overwhelmed by loans. Those who thrive here are often those who appreciate a hands-on learning environment and are motivated to gain skills that lead directly to employment.

Rankings

How Catawba Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation35%Earnings 10yr$37KNet Price$11KRetention65%Median Debt$5KPell Grant Rate28%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$9K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$13K$48-75K

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1195.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%473.1%MOBILITY56.54%

Cost & Financial Aid

$2,427
In-State Tuition
$7,803
Out-of-State
$10,528
Avg Net Price
$4,938
Median Debt
28%
Pell Grant Rate
0%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,170
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,639
Family Income $30K–$48K
$13,129
Family Income $48K–$75K

Graduate Outcomes

$32,508
6 Years After Entry
$35,885
8 Years
$36,977
10 Years
0.13x
Debt-to-Earnings
45%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$32,508 6yr $35,885 8yr $36,977 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

56.54%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
473.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1195.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$63,800
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.70
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 65%
Full-Time Faculty 22%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,426
Diversity Index 0.59
First-Gen Students 50%

Top Programs

Humanities 37%
Health Professions 14%
Business & Marketing 11%
Precision Production 10%
Construction Trades 5%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 4%
Computer Science & IT 3%
Criminal Justice 3%