Cape Fear Community College grows as students seek lower-cost degreesWILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As students prepare to head back to the classroom, questions about the cost—and value—of a college degree continue to shape decisions for graduating high school seniors. Across North Carolina, fewer students are enrolling in college immediately after high school. Despite that statewide trend, Cape Fear Community College is seeing enrollment move in the opposite direction. More than 27,000 students are expected to attend Cape Fear Community College this academic year, making it one of the region’s largest institutions of higher education. Morton said the increase reflects growing interest in affordable, career-focused education as students and families weigh the return on investment of a college degree, with Cape Fear Community College offering programs ranging from health sciences and skilled trades to business, cybersecurity, and engineering technology.