Wake Technical Community College: $2,336 Tuition

$2,336Tuition

18,605Students

31%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,769Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College serves the Research Triangle as North Carolina's largest community college system. The school enrolls 18,605 students across multiple campuses in suburban Raleigh. Wake Tech built its reputation on workforce development programs that connect directly to the region's booming technology and healthcare industries. Students can pursue career-focused certificates or complete transfer requirements for four-year universities.

The financial picture looks solid for a community college education. In-state students pay just $2,336 in tuition, while the average net price reaches $6,935 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $41,769 ten years after completing their programs. Students typically leave with $12,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $127. The employment rate hits 89.6%, reflecting strong job placement in the Triangle's competitive market.

The student body mirrors the region's diversity, with 44.56% white students, 21.96% Black students, and 18.18% Hispanic students. Nearly all students come from North Carolina, with 98.61% claiming in-state status. The Eagles compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA with 155 total athletes. However, the 31.40% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer before completing their Wake Tech programs or take longer than expected to finish.

Academics & Faculty

Wake Technical serves the Research Triangle's workforce needs with career-focused programs in high-demand fields. The college offers over 200 degree and certificate programs, with particularly strong offerings in healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio that enables more personalized attention in technical coursework. The 31.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family obligations. Wake Tech's nursing program consistently produces graduates who pass state licensing exams at high rates. The college's automotive technology and culinary arts programs have earned regional recognition for their industry partnerships and job placement success.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 48.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 31.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,769

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$58,221
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$57,060
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$53,358
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Associate	$52,875
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$48,432
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$47,952
Computer Programming.	Associate	$46,087
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies.	Associate	$46,087
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$45,026
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$44,542

View all 120 programs →

Campus Life

Wake Tech operates from multiple campuses across Raleigh's suburbs, placing students at the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle. The main campus sits just 10 miles from downtown Raleigh, where tech companies and state government offer internships and jobs. You'll need layers for North Carolina's unpredictable weather but rarely a heavy winter coat.

Nearly all 18,605 students commute since Wake Tech doesn't offer housing. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually know your instructors in programs ranging from nursing to automotive technology. Weekends often revolve around part-time jobs, studying, or exploring Raleigh's music venues and food scene. With 98.61% of students from North Carolina, you'll find classmates from across the Triangle area. The Eagles compete in 8 varsity sports with 155 total athletes, though most students focus on academics and work. Campus life centers around practical career preparation rather than traditional college traditions. Students typically balance classes with jobs, explaining why 89.6% find employment after graduation.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–52°F
July Avg: 68°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 46.2"
Annual Snowfall: 2.4"

Student Demographics

Wake Tech draws nearly all its students from North Carolina, with 98.6% coming from in-state. The college serves a diverse local population that reflects the changing demographics of the Research Triangle. Women slightly outnumber men at 52.7%, typical for community colleges nationwide. The student body spans multiple generations and backgrounds, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities alongside white students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college fulfills its mission of providing affordable education to working-class families seeking career training or university transfer pathways.

Men: 47.3%
Women: 52.7%
White: 44.6%
Black: 22.0%
Hispanic: 18.2%
Asian: 4.9%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.3%

Location

Wake Technical Community College sits in Raleigh, North Carolina's capital city and part of the Research Triangle. The campus serves the heart of one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the Southeast. Raleigh offers students access to a thriving job market driven by technology companies, state government, and major universities like NC State. The Research Triangle region is home to over 1.3 million people and consistently ranks among the best places to live in America. Students benefit from internship opportunities at companies like Red Hat, SAS, and Credit Suisse. The area combines urban amenities with Southern charm, plus easy access to both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic coast. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Wake Technical Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Raleigh, North Carolina 27603-5696

Eastern-Wake-Campus-Education-Innovation-Center

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,769
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,883
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Wake Technical Community College?

Wake Technical Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning most students who apply are accepted. With 18,605 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Raleigh area. The school focuses on providing career training and transfer pathways rather than selective admissions.

How much does Wake Technical Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,935 annually at Wake Technical Community College. In-state tuition runs just $2,336 while out-of-state students pay $7,582, making it one of the most affordable options in North Carolina. Only 27% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure.

What academic programs is Wake Technical Community College known for?

Wake Technical Community College serves as a major workforce development center with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The college has built a strong reputation for career-focused training that connects directly to Raleigh's growing job market. With 98% of students coming from in-state, it functions as the primary community college serving the Research Triangle region.

What career outcomes do Wake Technical Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $41,769 ten years after starting at Wake Technical Community College. The employment rate reaches 89.6%, demonstrating strong job placement success for career program graduates. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $12,000 and monthly loan payments of just $127.

Where is Wake Technical Community College located and what is campus life like?

Wake Technical Community College operates in suburban Raleigh, serving a diverse student body that is 53% women and includes significant Black and Hispanic populations. The campus hosts 155 student athletes across 8 varsity sports competing in the NCCAA as the Eagles. As a commuter-focused institution founded in 1958, it emphasizes practical education over traditional college social experiences.

What makes Wake Technical Community College unique among North Carolina colleges?

Wake Technical Community College stands out with its 31% graduation rate, which is solid for a community college serving many part-time and working students. The institution has evolved into one of the largest community colleges in the state with over 18,000 students. Its location in the Research Triangle gives students access to internships and jobs with major tech companies and research institutions.