McDowell County has 1 community college, 13 public school, and 2 private schools. McDowell Technical Community College program ranks #313 Community College (out of 521; top 65%) in the United States and #10 Community College in North Carolina. The McDowell County Schools System is ranked in the top 100 in the state of North Carolina.

• McDowell Technical Community College
• McDowell High School
• McDowell Early College
• East McDowell Middle School
• West McDowell Middle School
• Eastfield Global Magnet School
• Glenwood Elementary School
• Marion Elementary School
• Nebo Elementary School
• North Cove Elementary School
• Old Fort Elementary School
• Pleasant Gardens Elementary School
• West Marion Elementary School
• Nebo Crossing Academy
• New Manna Christian School