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 gives you a weak-to-mixed financial return. Ten years out, you earn about $45,873 while carrying $25,000 in debt, and only 40% of students who start here finish. That combination of a low graduation rate and mid-tier pay is the core risk: you pay for years but may leave without the degree that justifies the cost.
The programs split clearly. Computer and Information Sciences and Accounting are your safest bets, both landing near $42,000 with the lowest debt loads on the list, around $20,000. Business Administration pays a bit less, $40,222, but saddles you with the most debt of any program here at $23,059, so the gap between it and the CIS or Accounting payoff is real. Education is the outlier you should think hard about: at $32,391, it pays nearly $10,000 less than computing, and that shortfall follows you every year.
The biggest school-specific risk is retention. Just 65% of freshmen return for a second year, so the odds you drop out with debt and no degree are high. Rocky Mount's regional job market keeps these salaries modest across the board, so none of these majors launch you into high earnings.
This school fits you if you commit to computing, accounting, or business, and if aid brings your cost down. Look at the net price tiers: if your family earns under $30,000, you pay about $15,574, but over $110,000 the price jumps to $25,749, which is hard to justify against $45,873 in median earnings. If you're paying that top-tier price for an Education degree, the math does not work, and you should look elsewhere.
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.