About
Central Piedmont Community College, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, was founded in 1963 through the merger of two previously existing institutions, the Central Industrial Education Center and the historically black Mecklenburg College. The schools were merged as a result of the North Carolina Community College Act, taking over the respective properties of the two schools that merged. The school has grown since its inception from having 12 programs and 1600 students to over 250 programs and 70,000 students a year. The school operates six campuses in the region as well as distance learning online programs. CPCC is considered the best workforce development supporter in the region, supporting residents and the community at large through credit and noncredit programs.
Academics
Central Piedmont Community College offers a large number of programs that result in either a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Some programs are designed to prepare students for a career in their area of study by providing practical experience, skills and knowledge necessary to successfully and professionally perform tasks and duties required at the entry level. Graduates of these programs are able to immediately seek employment. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, the completion of which facilitates transfer to a four year institution to complete their bachelor's degree. Non-credit courses and programs are available for individuals seeking personal interests, or those who wish to return to school to complete missing portions of their education.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at Central Piedmont Community College are asked to contact an admissions advisor to begin the application process. As an open enrollment institution, the requirements for admission are minimal, and if met, typically guarantee admission. Students should provide all pertinent transcripts and test scores, as well as any other documentation the school may request. Once accepted, students will partake in orientation prior to registration.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students applying for aid must first obtain a federal PIN number, followed by submitting a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards. Students may also apply for scholarships from external sources, which typically require separate applications and are awarded for a variety of reasons.
Clubs and Organizations
Clubs and organizations provide students with a variety of social options to serve their interests. Some clubs follow academic and vocational specialization, assisting one another in skill development and focusing on a particular area of study. Some clubs participate in competitions, either academic, athletic or other, and invite students to participate by joining and either assisting competitors or becoming one. Other clubs focus on a particular interest or group of interests. Such clubs often attract likeminded individuals for the purposes of discussion and shared common interests, often almost entirely for social reasons.
Central Piedmont Community College offers assistance to clubs that formally form within the school, providing space and limited funding for operations. Students may petition the school for the formation of a new club if one does not exist that reflects their interests. Clubs and organizations update their information through the student life calendar, available on campus or online. The school promotes membership in clubs and organizations as it helps students socialize and bond, often extending relationships well past graduation.
Clubs and organizations at Central Piedmont Community College include:
- American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
- Clay Bodies
- Culinary Club
- Horticulture Club
- Black & Tans
- Anime Club
- Spectrum Club
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,900. 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
- 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 | 70% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 59% | $4,305 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 2% | $6,291 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Central Piedmont Community College may offer services like:
- Distance learning
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assistance to find work
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 this school against community colleges in North Carolina.
| Central Piedmont Community College | Mecklenburg County | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 11.6% | - | 20.3% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 20.5% | - | 19.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1964)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1967)
- 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 2014)
- Find all the other nursing programs in North Carolina
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 2013)
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 Central Piedmont 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
- Horticulture (A, C)
- Turf Management (A, C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Office Management and Supervision (A, C)
- Hotel, Motel, and Restaurant Management (A, C)
- Human Resources (A)
- Advertising and Marketing (A)
- Accounting (A, C)
- International Business (A)
Communication Technology
- Graphic Communications (A)
Computer and Information Sciences
Construction Trades
- Electrician (A, C)
- Property Management (A, C)
Education
Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Electromechanical Engineering and Technology (A, C)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A)
- Architectural Engineering (A, C)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Computer Engineering (A)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Industrial Production Technologies (A)
- Survey Technology (A, C)
- Energy Management (A)
Family and Consumer Sciences
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Sign Language Interpretation and Translation (A)
Health and Clinical Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (A, C)
- Nursing (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Medical Office Management (A)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Health Information and Medical Records Technology (A)
- Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling (A)
- Cardiovascular Technologist (A)
- Ophthalmic Technician (C)
- Surgical Technologist (A)
- Pharmacy Technician (A)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Cytotechnology (C)
- EMT & Paramedic
- Nursing Assistant
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
- Legal Administrative Assistant (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A, C)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Medium and Heavy Vehicle Truck Technology (A, C)
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A, C)
- Auto Body (C)
- Diesel Mechanic (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Culinary Arts (A)
- Cosmetology (A)
- Baking And Pastry (A)
- Institutional Food Workers
Precision Production
- Machine Shop Technology (A, C)
- Welding (A, C)
- Tool and Die Technician (A)
Science Technology
- Industrial Radiologic Technology (A, C)
Security and Protective Services
- Fire Prevention (A, C)
- Criminal Justice (A, C)
- Police Science (C)
Social Sciences
- Cartography and GIS (A, C)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Game Design (A, C)
- Commercial and Advertising Art (A)
- Interior Design (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 Central Piedmont Community College.
- Gaston College in Dallas, NC (21 miles away)
- York Technical College in Rock Hill, SC (22 miles away)
- Stanly Community College in Albemarle, NC (35 miles away)
- Rowan - Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, NC (37 miles away)
- Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC (38 miles away)