Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, NC

Total Enrollment

26,665

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

88

88 career programs

Full-Time Students

13,588

26,665 part-time

Total FTE

6,453

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
26,665
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 88
High diversity
~303 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Cape Fear Community College operates as a large trade college with 26,665 students across 88 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 26,665 students, Cape Fear Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 88 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 13,588 (33.8%)
33.8%
Part-Time Students 26,665 (66.2%)
66.2%
Total Students 40,253

Majority part-time students (66.2%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (51.0%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
52.6%
14,030 students
Men
47.4%
12,635 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
67.3%
17,944 students
White
67.3% (17,944)
Black/African American
12.0% (3,194)
Hispanic/Latino
11.5% (3,059)
Two or More Races
2.3% (607)
Asian
1.2% (325)
American Indian/Alaska Native
1.0% (273)
International Students
0.3% (70)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (52)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 26,665 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 67% of the student body (17,944 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

40,253 students

46% Men, 54% Women
13,588 Full-time
Diversity Index: 52% • Minority Students: 27%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

3,585
All full-time students
1,578 men, 2,007 women
Diversity: 56%

FT Undergraduate

3,585
Full-time undergraduate
1,578 men, 2,007 women
Diversity: 56%

FT Degree-Seeking

3,209
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,411 men, 1,798 women
Diversity: 51%

FT First-Time

913
Full-time first-time students
425 men, 488 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Continuing

2,296
Full-time continuing students
986 men, 1,310 women
Diversity: 50%

Part-Time Students

All Students

14,119
All students total
6,656 men, 7,463 women
Diversity: 52%

Transfer

324
Transfer-in students
123 men, 201 women
Diversity: 47%

Continuing

7,600
Continuing students
2,974 men, 4,626 women
Diversity: 51%

Non-Degree

4,622
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
2,882 men, 1,740 women
Diversity: 52%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

26,840
White
4,576
Black/African American
5,135
Hispanic/Latino
521
Asian
140
International
Diversity Index: 52% Minority Students: 27%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Cape Fear Community College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Cape Fear Community College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 26,665 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (51.0%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
• Academic Intensity: 6,453 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

9103627000

Address

411 North Front Street

Wilmington, NC 28401-3910

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials