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

65

65 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 Program Focus

233
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
569
Total Recent Graduates

Western Piedmont Community College serves 3,336 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 65 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