Introduction and Overview

Wilkes Community College is located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA, and is a member of the North Carolina Community College System. The college offers a wide range of degree, diploma and certificate programs, covering basic skills to advanced courses in various technical fields, including humanities, information technology, law and public safety, manufacturing, marketing, health sciences and other fields.

History and Establishment

The college was approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education in October 1964, the first board of directors was sworn in on January 15, 1965, and the first class was held in August 1965, with 68 students enrolled that year.

School Strength

Faculty: The teacher-student ratio is 11:1. The teachers are committed to helping students succeed, and some teachers have rich experience and expertise in their respective professional fields.

Academic Achievements: The college's courses focus on practice and application, and students can directly enter the workplace or continue their studies at a four-year university after completing their studies. For example, some students majoring in health sciences can find jobs in local medical institutions after graduation, while students majoring in liberal arts have the opportunity to transfer to other branches of the University of North Carolina system to continue their bachelor's degree.

Teaching resources: It has a campus of 151.7 acres and 17 buildings, and there are satellite campuses in nearby Ashe County and Allegheny County. The college is equipped with modern teaching facilities such as laboratories, libraries, computer centers, etc., providing students with a good learning environment.

Nature of the institution

A public community college that mainly serves residents in Wilkes, Ashe and Allegheny counties and surrounding areas, providing students with affordable higher education opportunities and vocational training to meet the talent needs of the local community.

Educational philosophy

Committed to improving the quality of life through high-quality education and workforce development, focusing on cultivating students' professional skills and comprehensive qualities, emphasizing values ​​such as care, collaboration, innovation, participation and responsibility, and encouraging students to actively participate in community services and cultural activities to achieve the common development of individuals and communities.

Key laboratories and disciplines

Key disciplines: Popular majors include liberal arts and humanities, health occupation-related majors, machinery and maintenance technology, etc. In addition, majors in fields such as information technology, law and public safety, and manufacturing are also popular among students.

Key laboratories: No public and clear information has been found to show that it has specific key laboratories, but it should be equipped with corresponding professional laboratories and practical facilities in professional fields such as healthcare and science.

Departments

No detailed information about its clear division of departments has been found, but the school offers courses and majors in a variety of fields, covering agriculture and natural resources, architecture and construction, art and communication, business and management, education and training, finance and other fields.

Ranking

Ranked 13th in Niche's Best Community Colleges in North Carolina, with a rating of 4.03 points, and ranked 212th among the 922 best community colleges in the United States.

Expenses

For the 2018-2019 academic year, in-state tuition and fees are $2,572, and out-of-state tuition and fees are $8,716. After receiving grants or scholarships, the average net cost per year for students is about $5,333.

Campus Environment

Campus Facilities: The campus has complete teaching and living facilities, including a library, computer center, student activity center, gymnasium, etc. In addition, the college also provides online courses and distance education courses to facilitate students' learning.

Natural Environment: The town of Wilkesboro has a beautiful natural environment, surrounded by mountains and forests, and fresh air, providing students with a comfortable learning and living atmosphere.

Campus Culture: The college is famous for hosting the annual Merle Music Festival, which was initiated on campus in 1988 by legendary Grammy-winning guitarist Doc Watson and others. It was named after Doc's late son Merle Watson and has now developed into one of the largest bluegrass and folk music festivals in the United States, attracting nearly 80,000 music lovers each year, and also brought national publicity to the college.