Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at McDowell Technical Community College

Marion, NC

Total Enrollment

2,243

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

48

48 career programs

Full-Time Students

732

2,243 part-time

Total FTE

729

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
2,243
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 48
High diversity
~47 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Substantial
Well-equipped facilities and resources

What This Means

McDowell Technical Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 2,243 students across 48 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

McDowell Technical Community College serves 2,243 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 48 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 732 (24.6%)
24.6%
Part-Time Students 2,243 (75.4%)
75.4%
Total Students 2,975

Majority part-time students (75.4%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (32.6%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.5%
1,334 students
Men
40.5%
909 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
68.8%
1,543 students
White
68.8% (1,543)
Hispanic/Latino
11.9% (268)
Two or More Races
7.8% (174)
Black/African American
3.6% (80)
Asian
0.9% (21)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.1% (3)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 2,243 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 69% of the student body (1,543 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

2,975 students

41% Men, 59% Women
732 Full-time
Diversity Index: 50% • Minority Students: 16%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

224
All full-time students
92 men, 132 women
Diversity: 55%

FT Undergraduate

224
Full-time undergraduate
92 men, 132 women
Diversity: 55%

FT Degree-Seeking

142
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
57 men, 85 women
Diversity: 39%

FT First-Time

45
Full-time first-time students
19 men, 26 women
Diversity: 57%

FT Continuing

97
Full-time continuing students
38 men, 59 women
Diversity: 26%

Part-Time Students

All Students

1,203
All students total
486 men, 717 women
Diversity: 53%

Transfer

37
Transfer-in students
7 men, 30 women
Diversity: 29%

Continuing

414
Continuing students
158 men, 256 women
Diversity: 28%

Non-Degree

589
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
258 men, 331 women
Diversity: 57%

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

2,043
White
90
Black/African American
356
Hispanic/Latino
27
Asian
Diversity Index: 50% Minority Students: 16%

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 McDowell Technical Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Mid-sized training facility with 2,243 students providing focused career preparation and hands-on experience.
Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
Academic Intensity: 729 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Primarily online-focused education (51% 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

54 College Drive

Marion, NC 28752-8728

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