Haywood Community College (HCC), established in 1965, is a public, two-year educational institution situated in Clyde, North Carolina, approximately 25 miles west of Asheville, nestled in the rural landscape of Haywood County. The college's main campus is set against the scenic backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, featuring a blend of modern and traditional architecture that complements its natural surroundings. HCC is recognized for its strong emphasis on professional and technical education, providing a range of programs including Forestry Management, Fish and Wildlife Management, and Wood Products Manufacturing Technology, which highlight its focus on regional natural resources and vocational training. The college offers an open admissions policy, enabling a broad spectrum of students to access post-secondary education. While HCC does not offer on-campus housing facilities, it fosters a commuter-friendly environment with resources dedicated to supporting student success. It does not particularly emphasize intercollegiate athletics, placing greater focus on academic and technical program offerings.
Haywood Community College has an open admission policy which permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED holding student. 414 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 872 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $2,432 plus fees of $148.