At $6,935/yr net price, Wake Technical Community College graduates earn $41,769/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,769/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,935 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,769/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,769/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,008/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,813/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,675/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,593/yr |
| $110,001+ | $13,266/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $58,221 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,060 | $17,104 |
| 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 | $13,702 |
| 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 | $14,689 |
The Risk Factor
31.4% of students at Wake Technical Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Wake Tech gives you a low-cost path with a real payoff if you pick the right program. At under $7,000 a year in net price and $12,000 in median debt at graduation, your downside risk is small compared to a four-year school. But the median 10-year earnings of $41,769 tell you the average outcome is modest, and the 31% graduation rate is the biggest threat to your money here.
The program you choose matters more than the school. Computer Systems Networking and nursing both clear $57,000, and dental support and IT administration sit in the low-to-mid $50,000s. These are the associate degrees that pay off, and they line up with the Raleigh-Durham tech and healthcare job market where those skills are in demand. Nursing carries higher debt at $17,104, but the earnings justify it.
The real financial risk is not finishing. With fewer than a third of students graduating, you can spend a year or two paying tuition, take on debt, and leave without the credential that unlocks those $50,000-plus salaries. If you enroll, treat completion as the whole point.
Wake Tech is a strong fit for you if you come from a lower-income family. Net price actually drops to around $5,800 to $6,000 if your household earns under $48,000, so grant aid covers most of your cost. If your family earns over $110,000, you pay closer to $13,000 a year, which changes the math but still beats most four-year options.
Look elsewhere if you want a career that requires a bachelor's degree, since every top-earning program here is an associate degree. But if you want to enter tech, nursing, or a skilled trade near Raleigh with little debt, this is a sound financial bet, provided you finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wake Technical Community College worth the money?
Wake Technical Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $6,935 per year and median debt of only $12,000. However, the 31% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't complete their programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Wake Technical Community College?
Computer networking and nursing programs at Wake Technical lead earnings, with graduates earning $58,221 and $57,060 respectively within 10 years. These technical programs justify the investment, while other programs may not provide the same financial return.
How much debt do Wake Technical Community College graduates have?
Wake Technical graduates carry a median debt of $12,000, which is manageable compared to four-year colleges. With average earnings of $41,769 after 10 years, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their programs.
What is the job market like for Wake Technical Community College graduates?
Wake Technical graduates enter a strong job market in Raleigh's growing tech and healthcare sectors. The school's focus on in-demand technical skills means graduates in top programs find work, but success depends heavily on choosing the right program and actually graduating.