Your Choice of School Matters
After analyzing 55 schools in North Carolina, we came up with our list of those that offered the best associate degree programs. To come up with this ranking of the best schools, we look at factors that are all objective measurements. We explain more about what we look at and why we do so below.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with an associate degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their associate degree.
During their time at college, associate degree seekers from schools in North Carolina take out an average of $11,303.
The average amount taken out in student loans for graduates at a particular school may be crippling for those who earn less than average wages after graduation.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
We also analyze a number of other factors in addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt when coming up with our yearly Best Associate Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your associate degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. In addition, we've put together a number of other
college rankings that may help you in your search.
Top Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
217
Associate Degrees Awarded
$27,514
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,179
Average Student Debt
Our analysis found Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte to be the best school for associate degrees in North Carolina in this year’s ranking. Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 217 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from JWU Charlotte make an average of $27,514 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $29,179.
Read full report on Johnson & Wales University - Charlotte
114
Associate Degrees Awarded
$38,392
Average Early-Career Earnings
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend North Carolina State University. The school came in at #2 in North Carolina on this year’s best associate degree schools ranking. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the large public school awarded 114 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from NC State is $38,392 during the early years of their career.
Full North Carolina State University Report
354
Associate Degrees Awarded
$66,424
Average Early-Career Earnings
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Sampson Community College. The school came in at #3 in North Carolina on this year’s best associate degree schools ranking. Sampson Community College is a small public school located in Clinton, North Carolina that handed out 354 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Sampson Community College go into careers with an average salary of $66,424 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Sampson Community College
418
Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,566
Average Early-Career Earnings
A rank of #4 on our Best Associate Degree in North Carolina list means Mitchell Community College is a great place for students working on their degree. Statesville, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 418 students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Mitchell Community College go into careers with an average salary of $37,566 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Mitchell Community College
573
Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,193
Average Early-Career Earnings
A rank of #5 on our Best Associate Degree in North Carolina list means Alamance Community College is a great place for students working on their degree. Located in Graham, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 573 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from ACC make an average of $35,193 a year.
Learn More About Alamance Community College
451
Associate Degrees Awarded
$50,409
Average Early-Career Earnings
Surry Community College landed the #6 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Dobson, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 451 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $50,409 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Surry Community College
2,898
Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,372
Average Early-Career Earnings
$13,923
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #7, Wake Technical Community College did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. This large public school is located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and it awarded 2,898 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Wake Technical Community College go into careers with an average salary of $37,372 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $13,923 in student loans.
Read full report on Wake Technical Community College
751
Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,810
Average Early-Career Earnings
$7,426
Average Student Debt
Gaston College ranked #8 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Dallas, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 751 students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Gaston College is $37,810 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $7,426 in student loans.
Read full report on Gaston College
442
Associate Degrees Awarded
$40,145
Average Early-Career Earnings
Randolph Community College landed the #9 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Randolph Community College is a small public school situated in Asheboro, North Carolina. It awarded 442 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Randolph Community College go into careers with an average salary of $40,145 during the early years of their career.
Full Randolph Community College Report
2,459
Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,173
Average Early-Career Earnings
$11,224
Average Student Debt
Central Piedmont Community College landed the #10 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. This fairly large public school is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and it awarded 2,459 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Central Piedmont Community College make an average of $35,173 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $11,224.
Read full report on Central Piedmont Community College
391
Associate Degrees Awarded
$44,698
Average Early-Career Earnings
Richmond Community College landed the #11 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Richmond Community College is a small public school situated in Hamlet, North Carolina. It awarded 391 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Richmond Community College go into careers with an average salary of $44,698 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Richmond Community College
392
Associate Degrees Awarded
$44,792
Average Early-Career Earnings
Lenoir Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Kinston, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 392 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Lenoir Community College is $44,792 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Lenoir Community College
227
Associate Degrees Awarded
$44,344
Average Early-Career Earnings
Rockingham Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. RCC is a public institution located in Wentworth, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 227 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from RCC make an average of $44,344 a year.
Read full report on Rockingham Community College
282
Associate Degrees Awarded
$35,665
Average Early-Career Earnings
Brunswick Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Bolivia, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 282 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $35,665 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Brunswick Community College
1,431
Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,600
Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,900
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #15, Guilford Technical Community College did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Jamestown, North Carolina is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,431 students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from Guilford Technical Community College make an average of $37,600 a year. Associate students leave the school with an average of $9,900 in student loans.
Learn More About Guilford Technical Community College
938
Associate Degrees Awarded
$31,699
Average Early-Career Earnings
$10,396
Average Student Debt
Catawba Valley Community College did quite well in the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #16. This small public school is located in Hickory, North Carolina, and it awarded 938 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $31,699 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $10,396.
Full Catawba Valley Community College Report
600
Associate Degrees Awarded
$37,760
Average Early-Career Earnings
$10,750
Average Student Debt
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College landed the #17 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Asheville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 600 students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, associate degree graduates from A-B Tech make an average of $37,760 a year. Associate students carry an average student debt load of about $10,750 after getting their degree.
Read full report on Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
510
Associate Degrees Awarded
$45,845
Average Early-Career Earnings
$9,908
Average Student Debt
Durham Technical Community College did quite well in the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #18. Located in Durham, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 510 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from Durham Technical Community College make an average of $45,845 per year during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $9,908 in student loans.
Read full report on Durham Technical Community College
684
Associate Degrees Awarded
$42,236
Average Early-Career Earnings
Sandhills Community College did quite well in the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking, coming in at #19. SCC is a public institution located in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The school has a small population, and it awarded 684 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $42,236 during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Sandhills Community College
467
Associate Degrees Awarded
$31,367
Average Early-Career Earnings
Cleveland Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Shelby, North Carolina, the small public school handed out 467 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $31,367 during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Cleveland Community College
1,113
Associate Degrees Awarded
$41,371
Average Early-Career Earnings
$8,981
Average Student Debt
Forsyth Technical Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,113 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Forsyth Tech go into careers with an average salary of $41,371 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $8,981.
Learn More About Forsyth Technical Community College
1,062
Associate Degrees Awarded
$43,437
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,178
Average Student Debt
Pitt Community College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Winterville, North Carolina is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 1,062 students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a associate degree from Pitt Community College is $43,437 during the early years of their career. Associate students leave the school with an average of $16,178 in student loans.
Learn More About Pitt Community College
300
Associate Degrees Awarded
$39,434
Average Early-Career Earnings
South Piedmont Community College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Located in Polkton, North Carolina, the small public school awarded 300 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, associate degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $39,434 during the early years of their career.
Full South Piedmont Community College Report
117
Associate Degrees Awarded
$14,412
Average Early-Career Earnings
$18,337
Average Student Debt
Louisburg College landed the #24 spot on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina ranking. Louisburg College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Louisburg, North Carolina that handed out 117 associate degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a associate degree from Louisburg College go into careers with an average salary of $14,412 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by associate students is $18,337.
Learn More About Louisburg College
409
Associate Degrees Awarded
$43,898
Average Early-Career Earnings
With a ranking of #25, Nash Community College did quite well on the 2025 Best Associate Degree Schools in North Carolina list. Rocky Mount, North Carolina is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 409 students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a associate degree from Nash Community College make an average of $43,898 per year during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Nash Community College
