
About
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a two year public institution founded in 1959. The school is one of the largest in North Carolina, with a curriculum enrollment of over 9000 students, and an overall enrollment of nearly 17,000 students. AB Technical Community College is also one of the oldest in the North Carolina Community College System, and serves the counties of Madison and Buncombe. The school is fully accredited through multiple accrediting bodies, and is dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students and residents of its service area.
Academics
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College offers a large number of programs resulting in either an associate's degree, diploma or certificate. These programs provide technical training for career minded individuals, or transfer opportunities for students wishing to continue their education. Career minded students will study in a program of their choosing to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce as professionals capable of completing the tasks and duties required of their particular area of expertise. Graduates of such programs will earn a degree, diploma or certificate that demonstrates one's competency and allow one to obtain an entry level position. Such programs take typically between one and two years to complete.
Students interested in transfer will complete the first two years of a four year education at a low cost, the transfer their credits to a college or university to complete their bachelor's degree. Students must apply to schools of their choosing, and it is recommended they meet with an academic advisor to outline a plan for transfer. Public colleges and universities in North Carolina will be easier to transfer to due to agreements in place with the North Carolina Community College System.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
As a two year open enrollment institution, students who meet the minimum standard for entry will be admitted to Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Students must be 18 years of age or older, or have a high school diploma or equivalent (students pursuing financial aid must have a high school diploma or equivalent) may complete the admissions application to obtain enrollment. It is recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to outline their goals and attend student orientation. Registration begins shortly before the start of each semester.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the school to determine need, eligibility and awards. Students may be asked to provide additional financial information prior to the disbursement of funds to verify the accuracy of the information provided.
Clubs and Organizations
Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of the many clubs and organizations available on campus. These clubs offer students a forum to meet individuals with similar interests and cover topics that range from social issues, to academics and personal interests. Students may find a directory online, or can visit the schools information center to find when the clubs meet and where.
Clubs and organizations include:
- Baking Club
- Dream Builders
- Ultrasound Society
- Drama Club
- Green Power
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $9,100. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition range:
- State Residents: $2,300-$2,800
- Out-of-State: $8,400-$10,140
- Charges per unit:
- In-State: $72-$86 per unit
- Out-of-State: $260-$320 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 69% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 64% | $5,009 |
Receiving Student Loans | 13% | $6,703 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, Asheville – Buncombe Technical Community College may provide services like:
- Online classes
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Career path counseling
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares A-B Tech against community colleges in North Carolina.
A-B Tech | Buncombe County | North Carolina | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 17.9% | - | 20.3% |
Transfer-out Rate | 9.0% | - | 19.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1972)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1972)
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1972)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Asheville – Buncombe Technical Community College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Agricultural and Food Products Processing (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Accounting (A, C)
- Business Administration (A)
- Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management (A)
- Office Management and Supervision (A, C)
- Human Resources (A, C)
- Entrepreneurship (A, C)
- Advertising and Marketing (A, C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Science (A, C)
- Information Technology (A, C)
- Computer Software and Media Applications (A, C)
- Computer Networking (A, C)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A, C)
Construction Trades
- Electrician (A, C)
- Property Management (A, C)
Education
Engineering Technology
- Cad Drafting (C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Engineering (A, C)
- Energy Management (A)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A, C)
- Survey Technology (A, C)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Electromechanical Technology (C)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Phlebotomy (C)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (A, C)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Medical Office Management (A, C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- Medical Assistant (A)
- Pharmacy Technician (A, C)
- Ultrasound Technician (A)
- Massage Therapy (C)
- Surgical Technologist (A)
- Medical Office Computer Specialist (A)
- Sterile Processing Technician (C)
- Medical Transcription (C)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- General Studies (A, C)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Medium and Heavy Vehicle Truck Technology (A, C)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Culinary Arts (A)
- Esthetician (C)
- Cosmetology (A, C)
- Baking And Pastry (A)
- Nail Technician (C)
- Cosmetology, Barber and Nail Instructor (C)
Precision Production
- Machine Shop Technology (A, C)
- Welding (A, C)
Security and Protective Services
- Criminal Justice (A, C)
- Police Science (C)
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Asheville – Buncombe Technical Community College.
- Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC (19 miles away)
- Haywood Community College in Clyde, NC (21 miles away)
- McDowell Technical Community College in Marion, NC (34 miles away)
- Isothermal Community College in Spindale, NC (39 miles away)
- Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, NC (40 miles away)