Career Training Path › North Carolina › Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, North Carolina · Public community college · Training programs available:
Address: 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd, South, Salisbury, NC 28146 · Phone: (704) 216-7222 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a public trade and career school in Salisbury, NC offering welding, cosmetology, and HVAC programs, accredited by SACS and several program-specific bodies.
Per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has a 35.1% completion rate, below the state average of 47.8%, with graduates carrying a median debt of $9,458 and median earnings of $34,936 ten years after entry.
Annual cost of attendance is not reported in federal data for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; contact the school for current tuition. Federal financial aid, including FAFSA and Pell Grants, can be used here, and about 28.5% of students receive Pell.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers | $38,540 | $50,590 | $60,870 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists | $26,880 | $38,410 | $48,300 |
| HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers | $37,780 | $57,260 | $64,310 |
| Skincare specialists | $25,570 | $39,120 | $57,000 |
| Electricians | $40,130 | $56,800 | $61,920 |
| Medical assistants | $36,010 | $45,140 | $47,500 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $50,480 | $63,270 | $69,700 |
| Manicurists and pedicurists | $22,150 | $34,740 | $46,650 |
| Radiologic technologists and technicians | $52,860 | $74,450 | $83,340 |
| Construction laborers | $31,850 | $44,720 | $49,070 |
| Dental assistants | $38,240 | $50,380 | $57,720 |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | $31,500 | $48,200 | $63,170 |
| Machinists | $37,110 | $55,230 | $62,680 |
| Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists | $39,890 | $57,490 | $64,770 |
| Emergency medical technicians | $35,190 | $44,250 | $49,310 |
| Nursing assistants | $30,260 | $38,460 | $43,850 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in North Carolina (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 121 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 49 | not reported | $16,169 | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 44 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 39 | not reported | $16,169 | not reported |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 21 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Associate degree | 18 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, 1–2 years | 18 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 17 | not reported | $16,169 | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Associate degree | 14 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | Associate degree | 13 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 13 | not reported | $16,169 | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 1–2 years | 11 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Associate degree | 10 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | Certificate, 1–2 years | 10 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Associate degree | 10 | not reported | $36,848 | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 8 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Associate degree | 7 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Associate degree | 7 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Certificate, 1–2 years | 7 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | Associate degree | 6 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 6 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Certificate, 1–2 years | 5 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | Associate degree | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 1–2 years | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | Certificate, 1–2 years | 2 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Associate degree | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 1–2 years | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a public community college located in Salisbury, NC. The school participates in federal financial aid programs (Title IV), meaning students may use FAFSA, federal loans, and Pell Grants to help cover costs. The campus is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, with additional program-level accreditation from bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Among its 30 program offerings, the most-awarded trade programs are welding schools (146 completions), cosmetology schools (72), and HVAC schools (61), out of 472 total trade completers.
Federal data shows a completion rate of 35.1%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 47.8%. Graduates who took out loans carried a median debt of $9,458, and median earnings ten years after entry were $34,936. Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data. About 28.5% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a meaningful share of students with financial need.
This campus, located in a large suburb setting, offers a broad mix of short-term trade certificates and longer programs across fields like welding, cosmetology, HVAC, electrical, and allied health. The wide program list suggests options for both first-time students and adult career-changers, though specific program lengths and schedules are not detailed here — contact the school directly to confirm. Prospective students should verify current accreditation status and review outcome data directly through the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard before enrolling.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers 30 programs across fields such as welding, cosmetology, HVAC, electrician, medical assisting, and more. The top programs by completions are welding schools (146), cosmetology schools (72), and HVAC schools (61).
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes, the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, along with several program-specific accreditors including the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal financial aid programs, so students can use FAFSA, federal loans, and Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The completion rate is 35.1%, which is below the North Carolina state average of 47.8%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Graduates carry a median debt of $9,458, per federal data.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings ten years after entry are $34,936, per the College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data. Contact the school at (704) 216-7222 or visit rccc.edu for current tuition figures.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
This is a public community college, which typically means lower tuition for in-state students and eligibility for state and federal funding support.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Specific program lengths are not reported in the data provided; contact the school directly to confirm program duration.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can verify accreditation and review federal outcome data through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard at https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?199494.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The school offers a wide range of trade certificate programs, which may suit career changers, though specific program lengths and scheduling details are not reported here. Contact the school to discuss fit for your situation.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing and certification requirements are not reported in this data; contact the school or check with your state's licensing board for specific program requirements.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can reach Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at (704) 216-7222 or visit https://www.rccc.edu/ for application information.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data with other nearby schools is not reported here; use the College Scorecard link to compare completion rates, debt, and earnings across schools.
Nearby trade and career schools in North Carolina
- Livingstone CollegeSalisbury, NC · college
- NASCAR Technical InstituteMooresville, NC · 65% completion
- Cleveland Community CollegeShelby, NC · 32% completion
- Isothermal Community CollegeSpindale, NC · 56% completion
- South Piedmont Community CollegePolkton, NC · 38% completion
- Pinnacle Institute of CosmetologyMooresville, NC · 52% completion
- Anson College of CosmetologyWadesboro, NC · career school
- Royal Dental Assistant Academy – Lake NormanMooresville, NC · state-licensed school
See all trade and career schools in North Carolina or search by ZIP code.
Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.