Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, NC

Total Enrollment

8,312

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

64 career programs

Full-Time Students

4,416

8,312 part-time

Total FTE

2,639

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large

Major vocational institution

8,312

Total Students

Size compared to other trade colleges:

200 1K 2K 5K+

Program Diversity 64

High diversity

~130 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

Catawba Valley Community College operates as a large trade college with 8,312 students across 64 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 8,312 students, Catawba Valley Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 64 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,416 (34.7%)

34.7%

Part-Time Students 8,312 (65.3%)

65.3%

Total Students 12,728

Majority part-time students (65.3%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (53.1%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

55.5%

4,615 students

Men

44.5%

3,697 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

63.9%

5,309 students

White

63.9% (5,309)

Hispanic/Latino

17.3% (1,437)

Asian

6.7% (558)

Black/African American

5.7% (477)

Two or More Races

3.6% (301)

International Students

0.8% (69)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.3% (25)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.2% (15)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 8,312 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 64% of the student body (5,309 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.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

12,728 students

47% Men, 53% Women

4,416 Full-time

Diversity Index: 55% • Minority Students: 30%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,128

All full-time students

582 men, 546 women

Diversity: 55%

FT Undergraduate

1,128

Full-time undergraduate

582 men, 546 women

Diversity: 55%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,080

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

562 men, 518 women

Diversity: 55%

FT First-Time

262

Full-time first-time students

152 men, 110 women

Diversity: 59%

FT Continuing

818

Full-time continuing students

410 men, 408 women

Diversity: 54%

Part-Time Students

All Students

4,413

All students total

1,984 men, 2,429 women

Diversity: 56%

Transfer

136

Transfer-in students

42 men, 94 women

Diversity: 59%

Continuing

2,867

Continuing students

1,335 men, 1,532 women

Diversity: 57%

Non-Degree

896

Non-degree/certificate-seeking

336 men, 560 women

Diversity: 47%

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

8,143

White

747

Black/African American

2,183

Hispanic/Latino

864

Asian

109

International

Diversity Index: 55% Minority Students: 30%

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 Catawba Valley 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 Catawba Valley Community College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 8,312 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (53.1%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 2,639 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (61% exclusively online).

• 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

8283277000

Address

2550 Hwy 70 SE

Hickory, NC 28602-0699

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