At $4,153/yr net price, Walters State Community College graduates earn $37,085/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,085/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,153 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,612 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,085/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,085/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.0% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,816/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,264/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,781/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,860/yr |
| $110,001+ | $132/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $46,790 | |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $41,937 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $39,369 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $38,649 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $37,208 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $36,134 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,461 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,250 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $28,960 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
36.0% of students at Walters State 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
Walters State Community College delivers solid financial returns for a community college, with graduates earning a median $37,085 annually against a low net price of $4,153 per year. The math works out to roughly 9-to-1 earnings-to-cost ratio, making this one of the better financial bets among Tennessee community colleges.
Your program choice matters significantly here. Nursing leads the pack at $46,790 annually, followed by industrial production technology at nearly $42,000. These technical programs align well with East Tennessee's manufacturing base and healthcare needs. Criminal justice and allied health programs also clear the $37,000 threshold. Liberal arts and general studies programs likely fall below these averages, though specific data isn't available.
The main financial risk is the 36% graduation rate. More than half of students don't complete their programs, meaning they face debt without credentials. If you're not committed to finishing, the financial picture changes dramatically.
This school makes financial sense if you're pursuing healthcare, manufacturing technology, or criminal justice and can commit to completing your program. The low cost means even average outcomes provide decent returns. You should look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major or considering this as a backup plan rather than a deliberate choice.
With only 28% of students receiving financial aid, many pay the full net price out of pocket or through loans. This suggests either a financially stable student body or limited aid packaging. The low sticker price reduces the need for extensive financial aid compared to four-year institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walters State Community College worth the money?
With a net price of $4,153 per year and average 10-year earnings of $37,085, Walters State offers solid value for the cost. The low tuition makes it financially accessible, though the 36% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Walters State Community College?
Nursing programs at Walters State lead earnings at $46,790 annually, followed by Industrial Production Technologies at $41,937. These programs offer the strongest return on investment compared to the school's overall average of $37,085.
How much debt do Walters State Community College graduates have?
The low annual cost of $4,153 means students can often graduate with minimal debt, especially with financial aid. This makes Walters State a lower-risk option compared to four-year colleges, even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Walters State Community College have good job placement after graduation?
While specific job placement data isn't available, the 36% graduation rate indicates completion challenges that could affect employment outcomes. However, graduates in nursing and technical programs typically find steady work in the regional job market.