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 keeps your costs low and gives you a decent shot at recovering them. At $4,153 a year, this is one of the cheaper paths into a career, and median earnings of about $37,000 ten years out clear that cost by a wide margin. The catch is the 36% graduation rate. If you leave without finishing, you carry the cost and skip the payoff.
The nursing associate degree is the clear winner here, paying close to $47,000 and tied to steady healthcare demand across East Tennessee. Industrial production technologies is the next best bet at nearly $42,000, which fits the manufacturing base around Morristown. Allied health and medical assisting land a step lower. The criminal justice and diagnostic health options are certificates, not degrees, so weigh them as short credentials with earnings near the school median, not as full programs.
The main financial risk is the completion rate. More than six in ten students don't graduate on time, and technical and nursing tracks have coursework that can stall you. Pick a program with a direct job pipeline, like nursing or industrial tech, so your time converts into wages.
If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $3,300 a year, and the low cost makes this an easy financial decision as long as you finish. The middle tiers pay more, closer to $6,000 to $6,900. If your family earns over $110,000, your net price drops to $132, essentially free, so there's little reason to skip it for a pricier option.
This school fits you if you want a career-focused associate degree, especially in nursing or industrial work, and can commit to finishing. If you want a four-year degree or a major outside health and technical fields, look elsewhere.
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.