Public community college serving Gaston and Lincoln counties with 100+ degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
Gaston College offers over 100 degree, diploma, and certificate programs through its three campuses and specialized centers. The college provides curriculum programs in areas including engineering and industrial technologies, textile technology, criminal justice, audio and video production, and cosmetology. Additionally, the college serves approximately 16,000 students annually through continuing education, adult high school/GED/ESL, apprenticeships, business and industry training, and university transfer pathways.
The main Dallas Campus spans 450,000+ square feet across twelve buildings with parking for over 2,000 vehicles and hosts community events. The Lincoln Campus, opened in 1999 in a renovated former high school, includes the Cochrane Science and Technology Building. The Kimbrell Campus and Textile Technology Center in Belmont provides product development, testing, and consulting services to the textile industry. A Regional Emergency Services Training Center on the Dallas Campus supports firefighter, police, and emergency medical personnel training. As a commuter institution, Gaston College does not offer on-campus housing. The college operates a fitness center, library, bookstore, and provides ACCESS Transportation services.
Gaston College accepts applications for degree, diploma, and certificate-seeking students, as well as returning, visiting/special credit, adult learners, current high school students, international students, and GED/adult high school/ESL students. The college offers online learning options and provides counseling and career development services. New student orientation and testing are available to support student success.
Gaston College competes in NJCAA Division I sports under the Rhinos mascot. The college relaunched its intercollegiate athletics program in 2022 after a 50-year hiatus, fielding teams in men's baseball and basketball, women's softball and beach volleyball, and e-sports. In the 2022–23 academic year, both the softball and baseball teams won regional titles. The college is investing in athletic facilities, including plans for an on-campus gymnasium.