
Catawba Valley Community College, located in Hickory, North Carolina, is one of the 52 schools that comprise the North Carolina Community College System. The school was established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 1958. The school was originally operated by Catawba County, but was given over to the NCCCS in 1963 and as a result of the transfer the school went through a period of adjustment and change, becoming a technical institute and community college over the following years.
Academics
As a comprehensive community college, CVCC offers students programs that encourage workforce development or academic transfer. Career training programs provide individuals with the skills and abilities to enter the workforce as qualified professionals. Programs take up to two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency and assists in the securing of employment after graduation.
Students may also pursue academic transfer, completing their first two years at the school followed by applying to a college or university to complete the final two years and earn their bachelor's degree. Schools will have varying admissions requirements, and as such students should meet with a counselor and research their desired transfer school prior to registration.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Catawba Valley Community College is an open enrollment institution that will admit any individual who is at least eighteen years of age or has earned a high school diploma (or equivalent). Students should supply transcripts, standardized test scores, be prepared to take a placement exam, and meet with a counselor all prior to registration. Financial aid applications should also be submitted prior to the start of the semester. Aid is available in the form of loans and grants and distributed based on need based on the information provided by the student through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,800. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $2,100-$2,500
- Out-of-State: $7,400-$8,938
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $76-$91 per unit
- Out-of-State: $270-$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 | 73% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 69% | $4,119 |
Receiving Student Loans | 8% | $3,903 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Catawba Valley Community College may offer student services including:
- Online classes
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Employment search assistance
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1999)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1992)
- Find all the other nursing programs in North Carolina
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 2009)
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 Catawba Valley 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
- Turf Management (A)
- Horticulture (A, C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Accounting (A, C)
- Office Management and Supervision (A, C)
- Entrepreneurship (A)
Communication Technology
- Photographic and Film Technology (A, C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Information Technology (A, C)
- Computer Networking (A)
- Information Science (A)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A)
- Computer Programming (A, C)
Construction Trades
- Electrician (C)
Education
- Early Childhood Education (A, C)
Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A)
- Electromechanical Technology (A)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Engineering (A)
- Architectural Engineering (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Medical Office Management (A, C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- Surgical Technologist (C)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Polysomnography (A, C)
- Electroneurodiagnostic, Electroencephalographic Technology (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
- General Studies (A, C)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (C)
Precision Production
- Welding (C)
- Machine Shop Technology (A, C)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Health and Physical Education, Fitness (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (C)
- Criminal Justice (A, C)
- Forensic Science (A, C)
- Fire Prevention (A)
- Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Commercial and Advertising Art (A)
- Graphic Design (A, C)
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Catawba Valley Community College.
- Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, NC (16 miles away)
- Mitchell Community College in Statesville, NC (22 miles away)
- Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, NC (24 miles away)
- Gaston College in Dallas, NC (28 miles away)
- Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC (31 miles away)