Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Gaston College

Dallas, NC

Total Enrollment

10,719

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

61

61 career programs

Full-Time Students

5,908

10,719 part-time

Total FTE

4,337

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
10,719
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 61
High diversity
~176 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

Gaston College operates as a large trade college with 10,719 students across 61 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 10,719 students, Gaston College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 61 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 5,908 (35.5%)
35.5%
Part-Time Students 10,719 (64.5%)
64.5%
Total Students 16,627

Majority part-time students (64.5%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (55.1%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
64.3%
6,890 students
Men
35.7%
3,829 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
37.8%
4,049 students
White
37.8% (4,049)
Black/African American
11.6% (1,242)
Hispanic/Latino
7.7% (825)
Two or More Races
2.4% (258)
Asian
1.1% (120)
International Students
0.6% (60)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (20)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (7)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (64%) across 10,719 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 38% of the student body (4,049 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 64% of students.

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

16,627 students

37% Men, 63% Women
5,908 Full-time
Diversity Index: 70% • Minority Students: 23%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,606
All full-time students
628 men, 978 women
Diversity: 69%

FT Undergraduate

1,606
Full-time undergraduate
628 men, 978 women
Diversity: 69%

FT Degree-Seeking

1,348
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
543 men, 805 women
Diversity: 66%

FT First-Time

520
Full-time first-time students
233 men, 287 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Continuing

828
Full-time continuing students
310 men, 518 women
Diversity: 63%

Part-Time Students

All Students

5,871
All students total
2,118 men, 3,753 women
Diversity: 69%

Transfer

289
Transfer-in students
78 men, 211 women
Diversity: 69%

Continuing

2,047
Continuing students
681 men, 1,366 women
Diversity: 65%

Non-Degree

2,512
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
952 men, 1,560 women
Diversity: 50%

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

7,031
White
2,042
Black/African American
1,453
Hispanic/Latino
204
Asian
120
International
Diversity Index: 70% Minority Students: 23%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

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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.

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 Gaston College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 10,719 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (55.1%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 4,337 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (54% 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.

Contact Information

Address

201 Hwy 321 S

Dallas, NC 28034

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