The Appalachian Center at Hickory is a center within CVCC where colleges and universities provide undergraduate degree-completion and graduate degree programs through off-campus programs for students in the Hickory, metro area. The center is located on the East Campus of CVCC.

Degree-seeking students from throughout the Greater Hickory Metro area apply to the participating institutions. Upon admittance, students may attend off-campus programs in Hickory, NC, or study online, and earn their degrees.

The Appalachian Center at Hickory hosts programs from area universities like Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb.