Who We Are

Western Piedmont Community College was chartered on April 2, 1964, as a member of the North Carolina Community College System. In 2008, it was one of seven colleges in the state to receive recognition for Exceptional Institutional Performance based on standards established by the North Carolina General Assembly.

Located in the rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, Western Piedmont is surrounded by scenic views of Table Rock, the South Mountains, and Linville Gorge.  

Approximately 4,000 students enroll each year to pursue college transfer degrees, two year associate degrees, and diplomas. More than 10,000 students enroll in continuing education courses for professional development and personal enrichment. The College also provides programs for high school completion.  

GRADUATES

Associate Degree, Diploma, & Certificate

•   Earned 550 awards (361 Associates, 40 Diplomas, 139 Certificates)
•   100% employed within one year of graduation
•   50% of graduates plan to continue their education

Adult High School Diploma and GED      494 (81% GED)

HIGHLIGHTS
 

•  96% of Graduates surveyed indicate they are satisfied with the Overall Quality of WPCC
•  100% of Employers indicate satisfaction with the quality of WPCC graduates they employ
•  1 in 5 Burke County adults (20%) attended WPCC in 2007-08
•  89% of students who transferred from WPCC to a university achieved a “B” average or better
•  96% passage rate for Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates on licensure exam
•  Burke Middle College recognized as a School of Excellence
•  Faculty salaries rank 6th in the state of the 58 community colleges
•  Early Childhood Education program achieved national accreditation
•  College named to President Obama's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

NOTES:
Graduates reflect Fall 2008, Spring 2009, and Summer 2009.
High School diploma and GED numbers reflect those who graduated during Summer/Fall 2008 and Spring 2009.