At $8,134/yr net price, Wabash Valley College graduates earn $37,533/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,533/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,134 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $32,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,533/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,533/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,195/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,106/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $12,275/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,078/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $5,625 |
The Risk Factor
59.2% of students at Wabash Valley College 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
Wabash Valley College gives you a low-cost, low-debt path with modest earnings on the other end. Median debt sits at $6,500, so you likely leave without a heavy loan burden. But median earnings ten years out land at $37,533, which tells you this is a school where the value comes from spending little, not from earning a lot afterward.
The one program with reported earnings data is Liberal Arts and Sciences and General Studies at the associate level, and it pays $20,140. That is a transfer-oriented associate degree, not a career credential. If you stop at that associate and enter the job market, expect low earnings. The point of that program is to move on to a four-year school, and treating it as an endpoint is where the money math breaks down.
The financial risk here is specific and simple. There is no bachelor-level program data, and the one listed program is a general-studies associate. If you use Wabash Valley as a cheap first two years and transfer, the low debt works in your favor. If you enroll expecting a degree that leads straight to a solid-paying job, the data does not back that up.
The net price tiers show something worth watching: if your family earns under $30k, you pay about $8,195, but families between $48k and $110k pay roughly $12,100. The lowest-income tier gets the best deal, and the difference above it is small across income brackets.
This school fits you if you want an affordable transfer start close to Mount Carmel and plan to finish a bachelor's elsewhere. If you need a career credential with strong standalone pay, the available data does not show one here, and you should look at schools with proven program-level earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wabash Valley College worth the cost compared to other schools?
With a net price of $8,134 per year and graduates earning $37,533 after 10 years, Wabash Valley College offers decent value for a community college. The low median debt of $6,500 reduces financial risk, though earning potential remains limited.
What programs at Wabash Valley College have the best return on investment?
Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates from Wabash Valley College earn around $20,140, which is below the overall graduate average of $37,533. Most programs at this community college lead to modest earning potential that may require transfer to a four-year school for better ROI.
How much debt do Wabash Valley College graduates typically have?
Wabash Valley College graduates have a median debt of just $6,500, which is manageable compared to most colleges. This low debt load helps offset the relatively modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Wabash Valley College have good graduation rates for the money?
Wabash Valley College's 59.20% graduation rate is average for community colleges but means 4 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. The low cost helps limit losses for students who don't graduate.