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 is a hard financial bet. Ten years out, your median earnings sit at $36,260, which is below what many bachelor's holders earn and close to what you could make without a four-year degree. Against a net price near $24,000 a year, the math takes a long time to work in your favor.
None of the top programs here pay well by the numbers. Business Administration leads the pack, and even that lands under $29,000 in reported early earnings. History comes next, then it drops fast: Natural Resources Conservation, Social Work, and Psychology all report bachelor-level earnings in the high teens to low twenties. If you enroll expecting a program to lift your salary, the data doesn't back that up. Warren Wilson leans toward environmental and human-services fields, and those fields pay modestly everywhere, western North Carolina included.
The bigger risk is finishing at all. A 43% graduation rate and 70% retention mean a real chance you leave with debt and no degree. Median debt of $25,000 is manageable if you graduate into a job, but debt without a credential is the worst outcome, and it happens here more than at most schools.
The net price tiers hold a surprise: if your family earns $48,000 to $75,000, you pay the least, around $15,500. Below that, you pay more, near $19,500. Above $75,000, the price climbs sharply toward the low thirties. Middle-income families get the best deal. higher earners pay close to sticker.
This school fits you if you want its environmental or service-oriented programs for reasons beyond salary and can control costs. If you're choosing a college mainly for financial return, the earnings and graduation numbers here point you elsewhere.
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.