Craven Community College operates under an open-door policy for applicants who are high school graduates and whose admission eligibility conforms to North Carolina law and North Carolina Community College System directives. This minimum requirement is met by graduation from high school or by possession of a state High School Equivalency Credential (GED or HiSet) or an Adult High School Diploma. Current high school students can enroll through the NC Career and College Promise program; see section on North Carolina Career and College Promise.
Some degree programs have specific requirements for admission. A physical exam may be required when deemed necessary by college officials, particularly in limited admissions programs.