At $23,719/yr net price, Warren Wilson College graduates earn $36,260/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $2,260/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,719 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,876 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $36,260/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$2,260/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 42 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,447/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,640/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,474/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,134/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,599/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,598 | |
| History. | Bachelor | $26,739 | |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $20,530 | |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $18,401 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $17,624 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $12,356 |
The Risk Factor
43.2% of students at Warren Wilson 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
Warren Wilson College delivers poor financial returns that struggle to justify its $23,719 annual net price. Your median earnings of $36,260 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many community college graduates earn, creating a troubling gap between investment and outcome.
Even the highest-paying major, Business Administration, yields just $28,598 in median earnings,well below the national average for business graduates. History majors fare slightly better at $26,739, but every other major falls into concerning territory. Psychology graduates earn only $17,624 despite the field's growth potential elsewhere, while Social Work majors at $18,401 face particularly steep financial challenges given the profession's typically modest starting salaries.
The 43% graduation rate compounds these earning problems. You face significant odds of leaving without a degree while carrying debt. The $25,000 median debt load becomes especially burdensome when paired with the low earning potential across all programs.
Warren Wilson works financially only if you have substantial family support that eliminates debt concerns, or if you plan to pursue graduate school in a field where the bachelor's degree serves as a stepping stone rather than a terminal credential. The rural North Carolina location limits immediate post-graduation job opportunities, forcing many graduates to relocate for better-paying positions.
You should look elsewhere if you need your undergraduate investment to generate strong immediate returns or if you're borrowing heavily to attend. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earning outcomes across all majors creates significant financial risk that few students can afford to take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Warren Wilson College worth the cost?
Warren Wilson College's graduates earn a median of $36,260 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for the $23,719 annual cost. With a 43% graduation rate and $25,000 median debt, the financial return is poor compared to most colleges.
What are the best paying majors at Warren Wilson College?
Business Administration graduates from Warren Wilson College earn the highest median salary at $28,598, followed by History majors at $26,739. Most other programs, including Psychology and Social Work, produce graduates earning under $20,000 annually.
How much debt do Warren Wilson College graduates have?
Warren Wilson College graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is concerning given that most earn less than $30,000 annually after graduation. The debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for many graduates.
Does Warren Wilson College have good graduation rates?
Warren Wilson College has a 43% graduation rate, meaning most students who enroll never finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's value proposition and increases the risk of student debt without a degree.