Why COA?
We're the right choice right now!
Whether you want to start your journey to a four-year degree; are ready to continue your education with personal, low-cost classes that are guaranteed to transfer; or have decided it’s time to go from having a “job” to building a “career,” College of The Albemarle (COA) is the right choice for you. Let us tell you why!
7,818
Students enrolled
*Data reflects information from Summer 2022 – Spring 2023 terms
1st
NC chartered comprehensive community college
*Data reflects information from Summer 2022 – Spring 2023 terms
89%
Of students take at least one online class
*Data reflects information from Summer 2022 – Spring 2023 terms
90%
Of students reside in our service area
*Data reflects information from Summer 2022 – Spring 2023 terms
Why COA?
Save Money
A typical three-credit class at a UNC school costs $623. At COA, you pay just $228 — that’s almost $400 less. Savings like that can help you avoid the mountains of student debt you could be paying on for years. Read more about costs and paying for college.
Guaranteed Credit Transfer
All approved credits — which is most of our general education classes — are guaranteed to transfer to all 16 UNC schools and many private colleges. Plus, smaller classes mean you’ll get more personalized attention from your professor. Learn more about transfer credits.
40+ Programs of Study
No matter your interests, COA has a program of study that’s right for you. And if you’re not sure what direction you want to head in, we can help with that too. Types of programs include:
- Business and Computers
- College Transfer and General Education
- Health Sciences
- First Responders and Public Safety
- Hospitality and Public Services
- Industry, Manufacturing and Transportation
- The Arts
$300,000 in Scholarships
In addition to state and federal financial aid, each year the COA Foundation awards students more than $300,000 in scholarships — and they still have more available. Apply by filling out just one application.
Have you filled out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Start by completing the FAFSA — it’s the first step for all financial aid, including scholarships.
Graduate Career Ready
From Aviation Systems Technology and Emergency Medical Science to Information Technology and Welding, COA has Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that can get you qualified for a great paying, in-demand career in two years or less. Explore CTE programs.
Student Support
COA is committed to ensuring that you have the necessary support during your educational journey. Learn about some of our services:
If you’re struggling with class work, the tutors at the COA Academic Support Center can help with a variety of subjects. Current COA students have access to our free services, including
- Accessibility services and educational tools/learning aids
- Tutoring
COA advisors offer career services to help you with decision making and career planning. The extra time and effort you take now can pay off with a lifetime of job satisfaction and income. Career planning involves learning about yourself, exploring different careers, and using tools and resources to help you find your niche — the best career fit for your unique talents, abilities, skills, personality, interests and values. COA Career Services also offers:
- Career counseling
- Interview workshops
- Resume writing workshops
Financial Aid Office
If you need money to pay for classes, COA can help you apply for grants, scholarships, campus employment, or a combination of these.
COA Cares
COA Cares is a program created in partnership with the COA community. COA provides support and resources to help ensure success on your path to graduation and as you enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution.
COA Cares helps by:
- Maintaining on-site food pantries accessible from our four campuses
- Stocking a Career Closet for interviews and other employment needs
- Coordinating internal and external referral services
- Providing school supplies
- Offering a daycare assistance program
COA’s campus libraries collect and act as a gateway to recorded knowledge in all formats, including electronic media, regardless of location or ownership, and provides services, resources, and instruction to meet the curricular, research and informational needs of the college and the community. Learn about other COA library services:
COA’s Student Assistance Program is a college-sponsored benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address personal or school-related challenges and concerns. It’s confidential and free to you and your household family members.
- Assessment and counseling
- Legal services
- Financial services
- Online and confidential
For more information about the Student Assistance Program, call 800-633-3353 or visit mygroup.com, click on My Portal Login, Work-Life.
Username: coacares4u
Password: guest
Aviso™ Resources
COA also offers access to Aviso’s community resource guide.