Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Piedmont Community College

Morganton, NC

Total Enrollment

3,336

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

37

37 career programs

Full-Time Students

2,152

3,336 part-time

Total FTE

1,031

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
3,336
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 37
High diversity
~90 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Western Piedmont Community College operates as a large-medium trade college with 3,336 students across 37 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Western Piedmont Community College serves 3,336 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 37 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 2,152 (39.2%)
39.2%
Part-Time Students 3,336 (60.8%)
60.8%
Total Students 5,488

Majority part-time students (60.8%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

A majority of students (64.5%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
62.7%
2,093 students
Men
37.3%
1,243 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
71.7%
2,393 students
White
71.7% (2,393)
Hispanic/Latino
13.9% (464)
Asian
6.4% (214)
Black/African American
5.7% (189)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.6% (20)
Two or More Races
0.5% (18)
International Students
0.4% (15)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (7)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (63%) across 3,336 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 72% of the student body (2,393 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 63% 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

5,488 students

38% Men, 62% Women
2,152 Full-time
Diversity Index: 47% • Minority Students: 27%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

562
All full-time students
216 men, 346 women
Diversity: 47%

FT Undergraduate

562
Full-time undergraduate
216 men, 346 women
Diversity: 47%

FT Degree-Seeking

514
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
201 men, 313 women
Diversity: 49%

FT First-Time

113
Full-time first-time students
55 men, 58 women
Diversity: 55%

FT Continuing

401
Full-time continuing students
146 men, 255 women
Diversity: 47%

Part-Time Students

All Students

1,791
All students total
678 men, 1,113 women
Diversity: 46%

Transfer

101
Transfer-in students
21 men, 80 women
Diversity: 28%

Continuing

985
Continuing students
378 men, 607 women
Diversity: 48%

Non-Degree

459
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
166 men, 293 women
Diversity: 42%

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

3,893
White
309
Black/African American
802
Hispanic/Latino
366
Asian
27
International
Diversity Index: 47% 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.

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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 Western Piedmont Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 3,336 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (64.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 1,031 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 48% taking some online courses.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
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

1001 Burkemont Ave

Morganton, NC 28655-4511

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