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Stanly Community College (SCC) ranked second in SmartAsset’s list of the best community colleges of 2023.

SmartAsset, a website specializing in consumer-focused financial information and advice, conducted an analysis to determine the top-performing community colleges nationwide.

SmartAsset recognized SCC as the second-best community college in the U.S. Despite a nationwide decline in enrollments, community colleges like Stanly are experiencing a rebound in attendance.

SmartAsset evaluated 845 institutions offering two-year degree programs or technical training, considering metrics such as student-to-faculty ratios, retention rates and the affordability of tuition and fees. This comprehensive analysis highlighted SCC’s performance in these areas.

Nine of the top 25 community colleges nationwide, including SCC, are located in the state. An example of the state’s commitment is the introduction of the Next NC Scholarship, designed to support most North Carolinians earning $80,000 or less annually. This program covers tuition and fees for attendance at any community college in the state without the burden of repayment.

Under this initiative, students are guaranteed a minimum of $3,000 in scholarship funds. With the freedom to choose from any of the 58 community colleges across North Carolina, qualifying individuals can enjoy full coverage of their tuition and fees, fostering accessibility and opportunity in education statewide.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top community colleges in the nation,” said Dr. John Enamait,
president of Stanly Community College. “This achievement reflects our dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education to our students, and we remain committed to fostering their success in every possible way.”

For more on the rankings, visit https://smartasset.com/data-studies/best-community-colleges-
for-2023.