Group of students socializing on an upper-level outdoor balcony.

Apply to CVCC.

Whether you’re starting college for the first time, returning to finish your degree, or looking to advance your career, CVCC is here to support your journey. Applying is quick, easy, and free. Get started below!

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Steps to Apply.

Step

Residency

Complete NC Residency Determination to receive your 10 digit Residency Certification Number (RCN.) Residency Determination establishes your tuition cost (in state or out of state.) If you already have an RCN, check your expiration date at NC Residency Determination.

NC Residency Determination

Step

Apply Online

Complete the entire CVCC Application. Be sure to click “FINISH THE APPLICATION” when finished. Within 24 hours, you will receive a CVCC email confirming receipt of your Application. The confirmation email also contains important next steps to activate your Application. Applications remain on file for one year after submission.

CVCC Application

Step

FAFSA Application

Free application for federal student Aid (FAFSA)

All degree seeking students should submit the FAFSA to determine financial aid eligibility. Many scholarship applications require FAFSA submission. The FAFSA code for CVCC is 005318.

Apply for FAFSA

What’s Next?

After submitting your application, an Enrollment Manager will reach out to you within 3-5 business days to get your application activated.
Request official transcripts from your high school (or GED/other high school credential) and EVERY college/university you have ever attended to CVCC. Official transcripts must be sent electronically through a third party vendor (Parchment, CFNC, ScriptSafe) to [email protected] or by postal mail to CVCC Transcripts, 2550 US Highway 70 SE, Hickory NC 28602.
For general information, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Two students working at desktop computers in a classroom or computer lab. The focus is on a red-haired student in the foreground typing on a keyboard, while another student in a red shirt is slightly out of focus in the background. The room is well-lit with natural light.

Choose the Right Path for You.

Ready to take the next step with CVCC? Your future starts here! Begin your journey today by completing the application below.

Alexander Early College

Students graduate with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma.

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A student wearing glasses and a green hoodie concentrates on his computer screen in a modern cybersecurity lab. Rows of Dell desktop monitors fill the room, creating a structured learning environment. Another student in the background, also in a green hoodie, is engaged in his work, emphasizing the collaborative yet focused nature of the program. The setting highlights the technical skills and problem-solving mindset required for careers in cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, network defense, and data security.

Career and College Promise Students

Earn tuition-free college credits while still a high school student.

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Challenger High School

Students graduate with an associate’s degree and a high school diploma.

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A woman wearing blue latex gloves holds up a transparent plastic sheet with a visible fingerprint, carefully inspecting it. She has a focused expression, and her attire, along with her gloves, suggests a forensic or laboratory setting. Her arms feature tattoos, and she wears a smartwatch on her wrist. The background includes a wooden door and a bulletin board, indicating a classroom or lab environment, possibly for forensic science training or analysis.

College Transfer Students

CVCC has exceptional college transfer programs leading to four-year degrees.

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A CVCC Mechatronics student uses a screwdriver to adjust wiring in a control panel, focusing on the components of an industrial automation system.

Veteran and Dependent Students

Veterans of the Armed Forces or their dependents using VA benefits.

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A focused student with long braided hair and a nose ring is sitting at a table, writing in a notebook. She is wearing a gray jacket and a graphic t-shirt, concentrating on her work. A blurred laptop screen is visible in the foreground, and other people are out of focus in the background, suggesting a classroom or study environment.

Degree Seeking Students

Earn a degree, diploma, or certificate at CVCC. New students start here.

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Three students sit side by side, focused on their laptops and working together in a collaborative learning environment. The student in the foreground wears a red hoodie and black cap, while the others wear blue and teal. The background features a bulletin board filled with colorful posters and announcements.

Visiting and Special Credit Students

If you’re visiting from another university, get ahead while you’re home on break.

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A smiling student wearing a red hoodie and backpack walks outdoors while holding a smartphone. He is looking upward with a joyful expression, and the background features large frosted glass windows set in a white wall.

Previous and Returning Students

If you are a previous student, you can restart your education.

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How to Pay for College.

Did you Know?

For North Carolina community college students, financial aid options include federal grants like Pell and SEOG, state funded scholarships like the Next NC Scholarship and Longleaf Commitment Grant, and aid from the college itself, all requiring a completed FAFSA.

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Request Information

Interested in learning more about Catawba Valley Community College? Get started today, and we’ll provide the details you need to take the next step toward your future!

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