McDowell Technical Community College

Overview

McDowell Technical Community College, situated in Marion, North Carolina, is a public institution that was established to provide vocational and technical education to the western North Carolina region. Nestled close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and approximately 36 miles east of Asheville, the college offers an array of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs, with a particular emphasis on advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology-related fields. The campus encompasses modern facilities designed to support its technical programs, fostering a practical learning environment. While McDowell Tech does not offer on-campus housing, its commuter campus integrates with the surrounding community to provide accessible education for both traditional and non-traditional students. The college is characterized by open-enrollment policies, prioritizing educational access over competitive selectivity. McDowell Tech, consistent with its primary focus on technical and career training, does not emphasize intercollegiate athletics.

McDowell Technical Community College has an open admission policy which permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED holding student.  227 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 873 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $1,824 plus fees of $134.