At $18,165/yr net price, North Carolina Wesleyan University graduates earn $45,873/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,873/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,165 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,873/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,873/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,574/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,630/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,786/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,785/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,749/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $20,834 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,222 | $23,059 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $21,185 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $32,391 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,773 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $25,833 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $21,052 |
The Risk Factor
40.4% of students at North Carolina Wesleyan University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
North Carolina Wesleyan University delivers weak financial returns that should give you serious pause. With median 10-year earnings of $45,873 against typical debt loads around $25,000, graduates earn roughly what many community college programs produce at a fraction of the cost.
The 40% graduation rate compounds the financial risk significantly. Your odds of completing your degree are worse than a coin flip, yet you'll accumulate debt whether you finish or not. The 65% retention rate suggests many students recognize the poor value proposition quickly.
Computer science and accounting offer the strongest earnings potential at roughly $42,000 annually, though even these top programs carry $20,000 in debt for modest returns. Business administration graduates earn $40,000 with higher debt loads of $23,000. Education majors face particularly poor returns at $32,391, well below what you'd need to justify the investment.
Rocky Mount's limited job market restricts your post-graduation opportunities. You'll likely need to relocate to find positions that justify your education costs, adding moving expenses and reducing your effective returns further.
This school makes financial sense only if you receive substantial merit aid or have specific personal circumstances that require staying local. Nearly half of students receive aid, suggesting the school recognizes its weak value proposition and discounts accordingly. If you can get your net costs below $12,000 annually and plan to study computer science or accounting, the investment might work. Otherwise, your money will generate better returns at community colleges, state schools, or trade programs that prepare you for North Carolina's growing logistics and healthcare sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Carolina Wesleyan University worth the cost?
North Carolina Wesleyan University has concerning ROI metrics with graduates earning $45,873 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $18,165 annually. The 40% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky.
What are the best paying majors at North Carolina Wesleyan University?
Computer and Information Sciences leads at $42,123 annually, followed by Accounting at $41,937. Education majors earn significantly less at $32,391, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do North Carolina Wesleyan University graduates have?
The median debt load is $25,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does North Carolina Wesleyan University have good financial aid?
The net price of $18,165 suggests decent financial aid since the sticker price is higher. However, the low graduation rate indicates many students still struggle to afford completion despite aid.