Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $33,325
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 12.6%
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $35,060 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,461 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,498 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $16,663 |
Outcomes Overview
Isothermal graduates earn a median of $33,325 ten years after leaving, which reflects the community college's focus on practical career training rather than four-year degree preparation. The 90.9% employment rate shows strong job placement success in the western North Carolina region. With no federal loan debt reported and low tuition costs, graduates avoid the debt burdens that plague many higher education institutions. The college's career-focused programs typically prepare students for healthcare support roles, manufacturing positions, and public safety careers that serve the local economy. Most graduates enter the workforce immediately or transfer to four-year schools debt-free. This represents a strong return on investment for students seeking affordable workforce entry.