What Is It Known For?
Isothermal Community College is a two-year public institution named after the region’s steady climate. This non-profit institution was established in 1964 and is part of the North Carolina Community College System. The school is known for owning, WNCW 88.7 FM, an award-winning radio station that is available in North Carolina and 4 other states.
When it comes to education, ISC is one of North Carolina’s leading community colleges. With an enrollment of around 2500 students per academic year across its two campus locations, the school offers most of its classes in as little as 16 weeks or you can choose accelerated programs that can be completed in 8 weeks.
Degrees
Isothermal Community College currently prepares students for immediate employment or University Transfer by offering over 100 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The school also offers non-degree programs in hospitality, healthcare, emergency services, and others.
Some of the programs you can find here include:
- Cosmetology
- Dental Assisting
- Practical Nursing
- Basic Law Enforcement Training
- And More!
Class Schedules
The university offers over 150 academic programs to choose from, accommodating both day and night classes, as well as online or in-person options. With the student-faculty ratio being an impressive 12-to-1, many programs here also include externship and apprenticeship opportunities with companies across North Carolina.
Is Isothermal Community College Legit?
Yes. Isothermal Community College is a legitimate institution. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Acceptance Rate
The Isothermal Community College has an open admission policy. This means that the school has an acceptance rate of 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The cost of tuition here can vary quite a bit, ranging from around $900 up to as much as $6,000 per semester. The exact amount will depend on the specific course you’re taking, as well as whether you’re a resident of North Carolina or not. Generally, non-residents can expect to pay a bit more than in-state students.
To get a better sense of the total budget you’ll need, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Arts & Design
- Advertising and Graphic Design (Associate, Certificate)
- Associate in Fine Arts in Music (Associate)
Beauty
- Cosmetology (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Cosmetology Instructor (Certificate)
- Esthetics Instructor (Certificate)
- Esthetics Technology (Certificate)
- Manicuring/Nail
Business
- Accounting and Finance (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Agribusiness (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Broadcasting and Production (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Business Administration (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Equine Business (Associate, Certificate)
Education
- Early Childhood Administration (Certificate)
- Early Childhood Education (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Early Childhood Preschool (Certificate)
- School-Age Education (Associate)
Healthcare
- Associate Degree in Nursing - ICC (Associate)
- Dental Assisting (Diploma)
- Emergency Medical Science (Associate)
- General Occupational Technology Health Transfer (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Human Services (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Human Services/Addiction & Recovery Studies (Associate)
- Human Services/Animal Assisted Interactions (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Infant/Toddler Care (Certificate)
- Medical Office Administration
- Practical Nursing (Diploma)
Law
- Basic Law Enforcement Training (Certificate)
- Criminal Justice (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
Skilled Trades
- Building Construction Technology (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Computer Integrated Machining (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Electrical Systems (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Electronics Engineering (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Industrial Systems (Associate, Certificate)
- Manufacturing (Associate, Certificate)
- Mechanical Drafting (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Mechanical Drafting Technology (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Mechanical Engineering (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Mechatronics Engineering (Associate)
- Welding (Certificate)
Technology
- Computer Engineering (Associate, Diploma, Certificate)
- Information Technology (Associate, Certificate)
Campus Locations
Rutherford Campus 286 ICC Loop Road PO Box 804 Spindale, NC 28160
Polk Campus 1255 West Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Isothermal Community College receives a mix of feedback, with high praise for its public-facing campus and professional staff, but with some key criticisms from students about academic and administrative issues.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Beautiful and Accessible Campus: A significant portion of the positive reviews come from community members who use the campus for recreation. They praise the well-maintained grounds, trails, and picnic areas, calling it a great place to visit with family.
Knowledgeable and Helpful Staff: Students from different programs and time periods consistently mention the staff and teachers as being knowledgeable and professional. This includes the Small Business Center, which is highlighted as a “phenomenal” resource for entrepreneurs.
Strong Programs (Historical): Past students praise specific academic offerings, with one stating that the Radio & TV Broadcasting program is among the best in the state. Other reviews point to a “great place to go take college classes” for a two-year degree.
Common Criticisms
Issues with Online Courses: A notable and recent critique (from a year ago) warns against taking online classes, describing them as a “complete debacle” with an “extreme amount of busy work” that doesn’t facilitate learning.
Student Policy and Fairness Concerns: One former student from four years ago claims the college refused to recognize their Dean’s List GPA due to being on academic probation, which they called “unfair and bias.”
High Student Debt: Data from the U.S. Department of Education indicates that the median student debt for graduates is about $16,750, with only 55% of students repaying their loans within three years of graduation.
Momentum
The reviews show a consistent split between the positive reception of the public campus amenities and mixed, though largely positive, feedback on the academic experience. While many academic reviews are several years old, more recent comments about online courses and student policies suggest that these are ongoing issues. Isothermal Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has a graduation rate of around 22% for full-time students. The graduation rate for part-time students is 21%, which is comparable to the national average.