You’re Going to Love Being a Student Here
Welcome to South Piedmont Community College! Applying as a new student is your first step toward an exciting future.
Whether you’re just starting your academic path or returning to college, we’re here to guide you through the application process.
See the steps below to complete your application, or if you need more information, fill out the contact form here, and we’ll be in touch.
Find The Right Application For You
At South Piedmont, there are two primary applications for enrollment: Adult/Transfer and Career and College Promise. The Adult/Transfer application is for students who have graduated from high school and who intend to study in a curriculum program, meaning they they will earn college credit. The Career and College Promise application is for students who want to begin earning college credit while still in high school (dual enrollment is another term used for earning college credits in high school). Students must be currently enrolled in high school to be eligible. South Piedmont also offers a wide range of Skills Development courses, which are shorter in length and do not count for college credit (these courses are sometimes referred to as “continuing education”). You do not have to apply for most Skills Development courses; you can enroll yourself in just a few minutes.
New/Returning Students Application
If you’ve completed high school and plan to enroll as an adult student in a credit-bearing degree, certificate, or diploma program, you need to complete this application. This link will take you to the College Foundation for North Carolina, which is where you need to apply.
Career and College Promise/Dual Enrollment Application
If you’re currently enrolled in a North Carolina public, private, charter, or homeschool and want to take classes while still in high school, this application is for you. This link will take you to the College Foundation for North Carolina. Once there, make sure you select “CCP application.”
Skills Development
Skills Development courses are short-term, non-credit-bearing options that help you train for the workforce — or just learn something new. There is no application for these courses, and in most cases there are no prerequisites. Just sign up!
A Step-By-Step Guide to Completing Your Application
Need help applying to South Piedmont? In this video, we walk you through the process. Still need more help? We’re here. Email us at admissions@spcc.edu.
Steps to Becoming a Student
Follow these six steps to navigate the application process smoothly. From choosing your program to meeting with an advisor, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Learn more about South Piedmont’s programs by visiting our Areas of Study pages. If you are looking for more personalized guidance in selecting a career path that matches your interests, contact our SP | Career Connector team at careerconnector@spcc.edu. You can also explore majors that match your interests using Career Coach.
Choose the application that best suits your situation from the “Find The Right Application For You” section above. As part of the Adult/Transfer admission process, you must complete the Residency Determination Service and get your Residency Certification Number (RCN). Be sure to enter your RCN before submitting your application. If you need in-person assistance, please stop by Student Services on any campus.
Complete your FAFSA, even if you think you don’t qualify for financial aid — you might be surprised! Allow five business days for South Piedmont to receive your info, and watch for any follow-up steps from finaid@spcc.edu in your email inbox. More information can be found on our financial aid page.
To complete your application, request official transcripts from all previously attended schools (high school, high school equivalency, and college). Transcripts may be sent electronically to admissions@spcc.edu, or mailed to:
South Piedmont Admissions Office
P.O. Box 126
Polkton, NC 28135
You may also submit sealed copies of your transcripts to Student Services on any of our campuses.
If you have an associate degree or higher, you are not required to submit high school transcripts.
If you have foreign transcripts (secondary or post-secondary), they must be evaluated and translated by a NACES-recognized company at your expense. For your convenience, South Piedmont has portals with:
- International Education Evaluations (IEE) in Charlotte, NC
- Spantran in Houston, TX; New York, NY; Miami, FL; and Los Angeles, CA
Important: Unofficial transcripts (student-issued, faxed, or emailed) are not accepted. We evaluate all college transcripts, and you will be notified via your South Piedmont email when your evaluation is complete. Any awarded transfer credits can be viewed on your Self-Service Student Portal.
After we receive your official transcripts, we’ll let you know by email if you need to take a placement test. You won’t be required to test if you:
- Graduated from a U.S. high school
- Have an associate degree or higher
- Have transferable college credits in English or math
- Scored qualifying SAT or ACT scores within the last 10 years
- Graduated with a GED in 2014 or later with scores of 145+ in all sections
If you don’t meet these criteria, you may need to take a placement test.
Once your admissions file is complete, it’s time to meet with an advisor! You can visit the Advising Center on campus or email advising@spcc.edu to schedule a virtual advising appointment.
New Student Essentials
Additional Enrollment Information
New & Returning Students
Apply for the First Time (or First Time in a While), Here
If you previously attended South Piedmont, but you haven’t enrolled during the last two consecutive fall or spring semesters, you will need to re-apply.
Students who attend another college or university and want to transfer to South Piedmont should apply as a new student.
Veteran students will follow the same New Student application process, however, you will need to complete additional steps to utilize your military education benefits.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Take Courses Without Working Toward a Degree
Join our classes without pursuing a degree through a simpler application process.
International Students
We’re Here to Welcome You
We welcome international students. Follow the same instructions provided above for New Students to start the process.
Please note: South Piedmont does not offer international student visas.
Medical and Basic Law Enforcement Training Applicants
Applying is the First Step Toward Your Career Goals
South Piedmont’s Medical Sciences & Services and Basic Law Enforcement Training programs have additional admission requirements. For Medical programs, begin by applying to South Piedmont. For BLET, directly reach out to the program director. Then you will receive information on what to do next.