Beaufort County, NC
Beaufort County | About
Beaufort County was officially recognized in the early eighteenth century. One settlement in the area, that eventually grew into Bath, was the state’s first incorporated town. Washington, the county’s largest city, established itself as a hub for shipbuilding and trade during the colonial era and is still considered the cultural and economic center of the county. Other towns in the county include Aurora, Belhaven, Pantego, River
Beaufort County has experienced a 0.6 percent drop in population since 2010. About 65.6 percent of the county’s residents live in rural areas, with the average travel time for workers in this county at over 24 minutes. There are 15,483 registered industry employers and about 1,130 registered local businesses currently employing residents of Beaufort County. The median household income in Beaufort County is $43,497.
- Population: 45,891 (2006); 47,361 (2016)
- Some College: 22.6%
- Associate’s Degree: 10.6%
- Bachelor’s Degree: 11.9%
- Higher than Bachelor’s Degree: 6.6%
- Unemployed: 5.2% (2006); 5.8% (2016)
- Number of people enrolled in UNC System schools: 589
- Public high school seniors applying to UNC System schools: 276
Educational Resources
Beaufort County Community College (BCCC), East Carolina University (ECU) and Elizabeth City State University (ECSU)are the three public higher education resources closest to Beaufort County, North Carolina.
They each provide high-quality, public higher education resources to support a variety of career paths from skilled technical opportunities to healthcare to business and beyond.
Career Curriculum Examples from BCCC:
Human Services Technology: The Human Services Technology curriculum prepares students for entry-level positions in institutions and agencies which provide social, community, and educational services. Graduates should qualify for positions in mental health, child care, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correction, and educational agencies. Visit the website to learn more.
Associates in General Education: The Associate in General Education curriculum is designed for the academic enrichment of students who wish to broaden their education, with emphasis on personal interest, growth and development. Graduates are prepared for advancements within their field of interest and become better qualified for a wide range of employment opportunities. Visit the website for more information.
Videos Featuring Beaufort County Area Higher Education Options
David Loope, Early College at BCCC
Beaufort County Community College President David Loope explains the BCCC early college program where freshmen high school students can start taking college-level courses and then graduate in 5 years with both a high school diploma and an associates degree.
Regis Gilman, ECU Online Education
Dr. Regis Gilman, East Carolina University’s Executive Director of Continuing Studies, explains ECU’s leading online education program. Dr. Gilman shares that ECU offers 16 undergratuate majors, 40 graduate majors and 56 graduate studies in their online program. They view the program as a great option for people who work during the day.
David Loope, Affordable Community College
Beaufort County Community College President David Loope describes how very cost effective NC Community Colleges are. He explains that they have several scholarships and other financial services support solutions available for area students. The financial support offered enables students to earn credentials that lead to well-paying jobs without incurring a significant financial hardship.
Elizabeth City State University Connects With Students
Former ECSU Chancellor Conway shares how during UNC System President Margaret Spellings’ first visit to Elizabeth City, a student told her: “’You know what? The faculty at this institution think they’re our parents – and we love it.’
“That is the kind of connection that students have with faculty when they come to Elizabeth City State University,” he says.
ECU’s Strong Economic Impact
ECU touts the strong economic impact it has accross the state. ECU is especially proud of the positive impact they have in rural and underserved North Carolina Counties and believe that they deliver an excellent return on investment to North Carolina taxpayers.
David Loope, Beaufort’s Four Aspirations
David Loope, President of Beaufort County Community College describes how BCCC hopes to improve social and economic mobility in BCCC’s service area:
1. Break the cycle of poverty.
2. Grow the middle class.
3. Reduce dependence on external aid.
4. Improve the residents’ quality of life.
Beaufort County Jobs
Please explore the following list of jobs:
Health Care Practitioner: Rehabilitation Counselor (State of North Carolina; Beaufort County, NC)
Course Requirements: Nurse Aide Level II
- Average Salary: $39,611-$67,060
- Course Requirements: Human Services Technology
- Additional Training/Certification: Current certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission of Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
- Click to see what courses to take at BCCC
Health Care Practitioner: Nursing Assistant II – ICU (Vidant Health, Washington, NC)
- Course Requirements: Nurse Aide Level II
- Courses to take at BCCC: Nurse Aide Level I/II
- Average Salary: $45,820
- Additional Training/Certification: Active NAI listing with the North Carolina Division of Facility Services is required, Active NAII listing with North Carolina Board of Nursing is required, Current American Heart Association HeartSaver certification is required, High School or Equivalent (GED) or higher.
Education: EC General Curriculum Teacher (Beaufort County Schools)
- Course Requirements: Associate’s in General Education
- Average Salary: $41,194
- Additional Training/Certification: Professional Educators Licensure
Education: Instructional/Teacher Assistant (Beaufort County Schools; Washington, NC)
- Average Salary: $24,552
- Courses to take at BCCC: Associates in General Education
Support Resources
Want to go earn your higher education credentials and get a better paying job, but need additional support to make it happen? Please see the list of resources below that are available in your county:
Transportation
The Beaufort Area Transit System (BATS) has a mission “to provide safe, reliable publice transportation in a respectful manner for the citizens of Beaufort County”. The cost depends on the geography of the trip’s origin and destination.
Click to visit their website and learn more.
Child Care - Child Development Services
“The mission of the Child Development Services, (CDC) is to provide an inclusive setting (serving children with and without disabilities) that promotes acceptance of differences, a healthy expression of strengths and needs, and supports to parents for the growth and proper development of their children by providing opportunities for independence, readiness, interactions, and challenges.”
Click to visit their website and learn more.
Child Care - Start Right Learning Center
Their mission as caregivers and educators is “to provide a safe, positive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment, which fosters a child’s natural desire to explore, discover, create, and become a lifelong learner”.
Click to visit their website to learn more.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance
Beaufort County Community College has a foundation that helps students with scholarships and other financial aid. “The BCCC Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization established in 1984 to provide community-based support for the college in achieving its educational and workforce development goals. Through the Foundation, generous donors provide support for scholarships, institutional programs, faculty and staff development and facility improvements.”
Click to visit the website and learn more.
Financial Aid - General
Beaufort County Community College also provides help with accessing Pell Grants, other federal aid, childcare assistance and more.
Click to visit the website and learn more.
Help Us Build This Resource List for Beaufort County Residents.
Click to submit additional suggestions for resources.
Testimonials
Please explore the following testimonials:
Penny Glover, Mommy & Student
Penny Glover is an advisor for students pursing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing at Beaufort County Community College. In this video she describes her own journey as a student and mother and gives encouragement to local residents wondering how to manage family and school as they ponder pursing their postsecondary credentials.
Ray Harris Explains the Growing Demand for Paramedics in North Carolina
Beaufort County resident Ray Harris shares his experience with getting trained at Beaufort Community College and finding good money in the growing paramedics occupation.
Ray Harris, “The Happiest Career Choice”
Beaufort County resident Ray Harris explains why getting trained to become a paramedic at Beaufort County Community College is the best career choice he’s made…ever.