What Is It Known For?
McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) is renowned for its specialized programs in vocational and technical education, emphasizing practical skills and career readiness.
Founded in 1964 as a satellite of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Institute, McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) initially served as an extension campus. By 1971, MTCC received its independent charter, becoming a fully autonomous community college.
MTCC is part of the North Carolina Community College System, linking it with a network of 58 community colleges across the state. This affiliation enhances opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing, and student transfer programs.
Degrees and Certifications
MTCC offers a variety of degrees and certifications including;
- Associate Degrees in Healthcare, Business Administration, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, and more.
- Diplomas in Welding Technology, Automotive Systems Technology, Practical Nursing, and others.
- Certificates in Computer Programming, Cosmetology, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Emergency Medical Services, and more.
Class Schedules
Classes at MTCC are designed to accommodate diverse schedules with options for morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. In addition, several programs provide online or hybrid learning modes for further flexibility. Externships or clinical experiences may also be included in some programs to help students learn practically.
Is it legit?
MTCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges(SACSCOC), ensuring that it meets rigorous standards of educational quality and integrity.
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, McDowell Technical Community College maintains an open admission policy, ensuring accessibility to students of all backgrounds and educational levels. This policy reflects MTCC’s commitment to providing inclusive educational opportunities and fostering a diverse learning environment.
Tuition Cost
Tuition at McDowell Technical Community College is $76.00 per credit hour for in-state students, with a maximum semester charge of $1,216.00, and $268.00 per credit hour for out-of-state students, with a maximum semester charge of $4,288.00. To assist students in estimating their net costs, MTCC provides a net price estimator tool on its website.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Finance
Cosmetology
Education
- Early Childhood Education
Healthcare
- General Education Nursing
- Health Information Technology
- Health Science: Therapeutic and Diagnostic Services
- Healthcare Management Technology
- Healthcare Management Technology: Long-Term Care
- Nurse Aide
- Nursing: Associate Degree
- Nursing: Practical Nursing Education
Law
- 911 Communications and Operations
- Basic Law Enforcement Training
- Emergency Management
- Emergency Medical Science Bridge Program
- Emergency Medical Science: Paramedic Associate
Skilled Trades
- HVAC
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Building Construction Technology
- CNC Machining
- Electrical Systems Technology
- General Occupational Technology
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Plumbing
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Cyber Crime Technology
- Information Systems
- Software Development
- Web Development
- Web Administration & Design
Campus Locations
Marion 54 College Drive Marion, NC 28752
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) has a largely positive reputation, primarily praised for its supportive atmosphere, quality instructors, and well-maintained facilities. However, a significant minority of reviews highlight critical issues with administrative efficiency and outdated processes.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional and Caring Instructors: The teaching staff is consistently described as “great,” “amazing,” “helpful,” and “enthusiastic.” Many reviewers, including adult learners, credit the instructors with providing essential support and never leaving students “wondering.” Students appreciate the small class sizes, which allow for more personalized attention.
Supportive Community Environment: The college is frequently praised as being a “great college with great instructors” and a place full of “caring people who will invest in your success.” The campus is noted for its “beautifully set in the mountains” with “well maintained facilities.”
Variety of Offerings: Reviewers mention the strong presence of the Small Business Center (SBC) and various Adult Education and Continuing Education programs. Students appreciate the quality of vocational offerings, such as a positive review of the cosmetology program’s facial services and a specific instructor’s expertise in furniture repair.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Efficiency Issues: The most serious complaints target the administrative and operational side of the college. Reviewers state that the administration “could care less about the student” and that the college is “all about your money.”
Outdated Transcript System: A key complaint is that the school is not up-to-date with technology, specifically noting that they only mail transcripts, which “takes absolutely forever,” causing a major hassle for transfer students.
Incompetent Staff: A current student described the school as “sad,” claiming the number of competent people could be “counted on one hand,” and that most staff “can’t even answer” questions.
Lack of Proactivity: One reviewer advises students to “Be on top of your game and know what to ask for,” warning against expecting anyone to “volunteer anything helpful.”
Momentum
The momentum is strongly positive in core staff and program quality but consistently held back by administrative issues. Recent reviews (within the last year) are high-rated and continue to praise instructors and specific support staff. The complaints about outdated systems (like mailing transcripts) and general administrative competence are persistent and span several years, suggesting this is a systemic, rather than isolated, problem.