Edgecombe Community College was among just 14 community colleges in North Carolina named as one of the top vocational schools across the U.S. According to usatoday.com, “the rankings were developed by Statista in collaboration with USA Today. Schools were judged on five primary metrics: graduation rate, graduates’ salary, years it takes to pay off net costs, social mobility and diversity.”

In a WalletHub ranking released Tuesday, August 12, Edgecombe Community College placed #7 among North Carolina’s best community colleges. ECC’s ranking was based on a comparison of 18 key factors of cost and quality, including financing, student-to-teacher ratio, graduation rate and career outcomes.

Teresa Howell, department chair for English/Humanities at Edgecombe Community College, recently donated two Lincoln Electric welding machines to the welding technology program. These weren’t just any machines. Valued at approximately $550, the donation was of sentimental value, honoring Howell’s father and meant to further other students’ passions for welding.

ECC President, Dr. Greg McLeod, spoke to the Rocky Mount Rotary Club on August 5. The nearly 30 members in attendance at Benvenue Country Club heard about the educational highlights of the college, such as last year’s ranking as sixth best community college in the state by SmartAsset based on retention, student-faculty ratio and cost.