McDowell Technical Community College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
McDowell Tech’s 77.9% acceptance rate and 80% freshman retention point to a school where access is real and follow-through matters. Since it is test-optional, confirm any program placement requirements, keep your GPA steady, and prep for the SAT or ACT only if a score will help with math or English placement.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
McDowell Technical Community College facts and stats
McDowell Technical Community College enrolls about 1,249 undergraduates in a rural campus setting. McDowell Tech has a freshman retention rate of 80%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1.
Marion, NC

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Key McDowell Technical Community College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
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Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional McDowell Tech, take your first test by the spring of junior year. Since McDowell Tech does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, reserve the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes, then use the last fall test date whose scores will arrive before the regular application deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
McDowell Tech is a public college with in-state tuition of $1,824 and out-of-state tuition of $6,432. Review your aid options early, including federal, state, and institutional support that can help lower your net cost.

For students paying out-of-state rates, McDowell Technical Community College lists tuition at $6,432, compared with $1,824 for in-state tuition. Actual costs will also depend on fees, books, transportation, and living expenses. Financial aid may reduce the amount students pay, especially for those with demonstrated need.
Student life at McDowell Technical Community College
Student activities and organization details coming soon.
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
South Piedmont Community College
Polkton, NCAppalachian State University
Boone, NCAcceptance rate: 90.1%
SAT: 1140–1270
ACT: 21–27
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NCAcceptance rate: 88.6%
Barton College
Wilson, NCAcceptance rate: 94.2%
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