Top-tier: RCC named No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche and SmartAsset

Randolph Community College has reached new heights, staying in the top spot as the No. 1 community college in North Carolina, according to Niche.com, and soaring to an impressive No. 2 ranking nationwide by SmartAsset. These prestigious recognitions reflect RCC’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success, solidifying its position as a leader in education and job training.

“This is a remarkable achievement for RCC and a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Being ranked No. 1 in North Carolina again and No. 2 nationally highlights our commitment to providing exceptional access, connection, and career-centered education that transforms lives. At RCC, we believe everything starts with access and ends with success, and these rankings affirm that we are on the right path. As part of our RCC 2.0 vision — being Relevant, Career-centered, and Committed — we are leading the charge in preparing our students for success in an ever-changing world. Our focus on innovation and student-centered learning will continue to drive us forward as we lead the way in higher education and workforce development. This marks the dawn of a new era for RCC.”

Niche.com is a ranking and review site that helps users find the right schools and places to live. The site ranked RCC on its 2025 Best Community Colleges in North Carolina list based on key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and alum and student reviews. For a complete list of the rankings, visit https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-community-colleges/s/north-carolina/.

SmartAsset, an online platform providing consumer-focused financial information and advice, ranked RCC at No. 2 on its 2024 Best Community Colleges in the U.S. list based on criteria including full-time retention rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and in-state tuition and fees. Two-year schools that offer associate degrees with at least 500 full-time enrollees were ranked using data from the 2022–2023 school year. Of the top 20 community colleges on SmartAsset’s list, 65% are in North Carolina. A total of 616 schools were ranked. For a complete list of SmartAsset’s rankings, visit https://smartasset.com/data-studies/best-community-colleges-2024.

Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.