Blue Ridge Community College vs AB Tech

Blue Ridge Community College and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, both esteemed institutions in North Carolina, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. Blue Ridge, with an acceptance rate of 100%, welcomes all applicants, while Asheville-Buncombe's selective admissions process results in a 64% acceptance rate. Blue Ridge's student body is predominantly female (58%), while Asheville-Buncombe's is evenly balanced between genders. Both colleges offer a wide range of programs, with Blue Ridge excelling in liberal arts and Asheville-Buncombe specializing in technical and vocational fields. With graduation rates of 25% and 30% respectively, both institutions are committed to student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which college aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.

	Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College	Blue Ridge Community College
Overview
Location	Asheville, North Carolina	Flat Rock, North Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	60.0%	63.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $16,634 Out of state: $22,778	In state: $18,582 Out of state: $24,726
Average net price	$7,964	$8,783
Tuition	In state: $2,432 Out of state: $8,576	In state: $2,432 Out of state: $8,576
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	64.0% Average amount $5,269	68.0% Average amount $5,379
Students receiving federal student loan	6.0% Average amount $5,730	77.0% Average amount $1,304
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,270 Men 37.3% Women 62.7%	2,635 Men 38.1% Women 61.9%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	1.6%	N/A
International students	0.1%	0.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Georgia Florida California District of Columbia	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Culinary and Personal Services Computer and Information Science	Liberal Arts Business Health Professions Precision Production Foreign Languages and Literatures
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	33.3%	50.3%
Dropout rate	45.9%	27.2%
Transferred out	11.9%	10.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $54,107 Year 2: $53,951 Year 3: $55,704 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $47,186 Year 2: $54,153 Year 3: $55,144 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $44,497 Year 2: $42,263 Year 3: $45,939 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $37,022 Year 2: $36,992 Year 3: $38,401 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $37,208 Year 3: $37,899 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $31,899 Hospitality Administration/Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,816 Year 3: $29,402 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,566 Year 2: $26,739 Year 3: $29,385 Culinary Arts and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $26,819 Year 2: $26,285 Year 3: $29,336 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $28,882 Year 2: $27,947 Year 3: $27,436	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $53,521 Year 2: $49,855 Year 3: $51,647 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $21,511 Year 2: $20,596 Year 3: $20,803 Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $18,771 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $21,397 Year 2: $26,353 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)?

BRCC and A-B Tech both offer excellent educational opportunities, but they differ in location, program focus, and campus culture. BRCC primarily serves Henderson and Transylvania counties, offering a more rural setting and a strong emphasis on healthcare and applied technology programs. A-B Tech, located in the heart of Asheville, serves Buncombe County and has a broader range of programs, including culinary arts, hospitality, and a wider variety of transfer options to four-year universities. A-B Tech also tends to have a larger student body and a more urban campus environment.
Which college is better for students interested in transferring to a four-year university?

Both BRCC and A-B Tech offer comprehensive transfer programs. A-B Tech has established articulation agreements with a wider range of four-year institutions, particularly within the UNC system, due to its larger size and longer history. However, BRCC also has strong transfer pathways, especially to universities in Western North Carolina. The 'best' college for transfer depends on your intended major and desired transfer institution. It's recommended to check the specific articulation agreements of each college with your target university.
Which college has stronger programs in healthcare?

Both colleges offer strong healthcare programs. BRCC has a particularly strong reputation for its nursing and allied health programs, often cited for its hands-on training and clinical partnerships within Henderson and Transylvania counties. A-B Tech also offers a variety of healthcare programs, including nursing, medical assisting, and dental assisting, with clinical affiliations in the Asheville area. The choice depends on the specific healthcare field you're interested in and the location you prefer for clinical experiences.
Does location play a significant role in choosing between BRCC and A-B Tech?

Yes, location is a key factor. BRCC is located in Flat Rock, NC, offering a more rural and smaller-town environment. A-B Tech is situated in Asheville, a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene. Consider your preferred lifestyle and commute when making your decision. Asheville offers more urban amenities and job opportunities, while Flat Rock provides a quieter, more nature-focused setting.
What are the tuition costs at BRCC and A-B Tech?

Tuition costs at both BRCC and A-B Tech are very similar, as they are both part of the North Carolina Community College System. Tuition rates are standardized across the system for in-state residents. However, fees may vary slightly. It's best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules. Remember to also factor in the cost of books, supplies, and transportation.
Which college is known for its culinary arts program?

A-B Tech is widely recognized for its highly regarded culinary arts program. It offers a comprehensive range of culinary degrees and certificates, and its graduates are highly sought after in the Asheville area's thriving culinary scene. While BRCC may offer some culinary-related courses, A-B Tech is the clear leader in this field.
Do both colleges offer online courses?

Yes, both BRCC and A-B Tech offer a variety of online courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely. The availability of specific courses online may vary between the two colleges, so it's recommended to check their respective course catalogs to see which courses are offered online each semester.
What resources are available for student support at each college?

Both BRCC and A-B Tech are committed to student success and offer a range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and financial aid assistance. A-B Tech, being a larger institution, may have a more extensive range of specialized support services. However, BRCC prides itself on its personalized attention and close-knit community, ensuring students receive individualized support.
Are there specific programs that one college offers that the other doesn't?

Yes, there are some program differences. A-B Tech offers programs like Culinary Arts, Brewing, Distillation, and Fermentation, and Hospitality Management that are not offered at BRCC. BRCC has a strong focus on advanced manufacturing and mechatronics programs that may not be as prominent at A-B Tech. Review each college's program catalog to identify the specific programs that align with your interests.
How do I decide which college is the right fit for me?

Consider your academic interests, career goals, preferred learning environment, and location preferences. Visit both campuses, if possible, to get a feel for the atmosphere. Talk to current students and faculty in your areas of interest. Compare the specific programs offered, transfer agreements, and student support services. Ultimately, the best college for you is the one that best aligns with your individual needs and aspirations.

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