Sandhills Community College

Pinehurst, North Carolina, United States · Est. 1963 · Community College

North Carolina's first comprehensive community college, serving 4,000+ students with career and transfer pathways.

  • Founded 1963, opened October 1, 1965 as NC's first comprehensive community college
  • Public community college in Pinehurst, North Carolina; part of NC Community College System
  • ~4,000 curriculum students; 11,000+ total learners including continuing education
  • 34 Associate in Applied Science degrees plus university transfer programs
  • NJCAA Division III athletics (Flyers); notable collision engineering program (1 of 6 nationally)
  • Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Academics

Sandhills offers more than 100 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and short-term training courses. The college provides 34 two-year Associate in Applied Science degrees alongside a university studies college transfer program, with 2+2 transferable agreements with four-year institutions. Notable programs include collision engineering (paid apprenticeships, one of six such programs nationally), culinary and pastry arts, criminal justice, business administration, architectural technology, and emergency medical science. The college also operates SandHoke Early College High School in partnership with Hoke County Schools, allowing students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree.

Campus & Student Life

The 180-acre campus in Pinehurst features distinctive architecture with courtyards and palladium windows. Facilities include Boyd Library, Dempsey Student Center, and the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center. The college maintains Sandhills Horticultural Gardens and offers 24/7 counseling services. Athletic teams (the Flyers) compete in NJCAA Division III with men's and women's golf, women's volleyball, and men's basketball. The college emphasizes small class sizes (13:1 ratio) and provides success coaching and mentorship programs.

Admissions

Sandhills welcomes multiple pathways: new and returning students pursuing degrees, diplomas, or certificates; continuing and lifelong education students in short-term workforce training; visiting/special credit students; high school dual enrollment; and personal interest learners. The college is military-friendly and offers GEAR UP support. Application is available online, with dedicated admissions and student onboarding services. Financial aid awarded in 2024–25 totaled $8,728,956.

Institutional Role

As North Carolina's first comprehensive community college, Sandhills serves as an economic engine for Moore and Hoke counties and the surrounding region. The college functions as a gateway to four-year degrees through transfer agreements with public and private institutions, while also providing direct workforce training in partnership with local businesses and industry. The college contributes to regional cultural life through events at the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center and Sandhills Horticultural Gardens.

Founded
1963
Type
Community College
Courses
10
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationNorth Carolina Community College System
Websitehttps://www.sandhills.edu
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
10
Avg career outcomes
$31.7K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources