Watts College of Nursing: 134 Students

134Students

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Watts College of Nursing

Watts College focuses exclusively on nursing education with just 134 students in Durham's urban setting. The college maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for intensive clinical training. Students here prepare for careers in North Carolina's growing healthcare sector through hands-on learning at nearby Duke University Hospital and other medical facilities.

Nearly 79% of students take federal loans to cover costs, but the investment pays off quickly. Graduates earn a median of $69,716 in their first year after graduation, rising to $66,199 after five years. The college achieves a perfect 100% employment rate for its nursing graduates. About 25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves both middle-class and lower-income families seeking nursing careers.

Women make up 81% of the student body, reflecting nursing's demographics nationwide. The college enrolls a diverse group with 55% white students, 25% Black students, and smaller percentages of other ethnicities. This intimate program attracts students who want personal attention from faculty and direct pathways into North Carolina's hospitals and healthcare systems. The semester calendar allows students to complete clinical rotations that align with hospital schedules.

Academics & Faculty

This specialized nursing college focuses entirely on preparing registered nurses for advanced practice roles. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means students work closely with experienced nurse educators in small clinical groups. With just 134 students total, everyone knows each other and faculty can provide individualized mentoring. The school emphasizes hands-on clinical training in Durham's major medical centers, including Duke University Hospital. Students typically enter with existing RN licenses and complete accelerated BSN or MSN programs. The curriculum blends traditional nursing theory with modern healthcare technology and evidence-based practice. Faculty bring real-world experience from critical care, emergency medicine, and specialized nursing fields directly into the classroom.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%

Campus Life

Durham offers the energy of a mid-sized city without overwhelming a small nursing program of just 134 students. You'll experience four distinct seasons here, so pack both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and light clothing for humid summers reaching the 90s. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your clinical progress closely.

With 81% of students being women, the program creates a supportive sisterhood atmosphere that many nursing schools are known for. Durham's proximity to major medical centers like Duke University Hospital provides strong clinical rotation opportunities. Students often spend weekends studying together in small groups or exploring Durham's revitalized downtown district with its craft breweries and food scene. The intense coursework creates tight bonds among classmates. Many students work part-time at local healthcare facilities to gain experience. The semester system allows for thorough mastery of complex nursing concepts before moving to the next level of training.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	0	0	7	0
Stalking	0	0	7	0
Burglary	0	0	6	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	5	0
Domestic Violence	0	0	5	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	2	0
Fondling	0	0	1	0
Robbery	0	0	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–48°F
July Avg: 68°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.8"
Annual Snowfall: 1.9"

Student Demographics

Watts College draws students serious about nursing careers, with women making up over four-fifths of the student body. The school serves a racially diverse mix, with white students comprising just over half the enrollment and Black students representing a quarter. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college attracts working-class families seeking healthcare career paths. The small size of 134 students creates an intimate learning environment. Durham's location provides clinical opportunities at nearby medical facilities. Students here are focused on entering a stable, well-paying profession with strong job security.

Men: 18.7%
Women: 81.3%
White: 55.2%
Black: 25.4%
Hispanic: 3.0%
Asian: 5.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.5%

Location

Watts College of Nursing sits in Durham, North Carolina, part of the Research Triangle region that includes Raleigh and Chapel Hill within 30 miles. Durham has transformed from a tobacco town into a thriving tech and medical center anchored by Duke University and major healthcare systems. The city offers urban amenities while maintaining a college-friendly atmosphere. With 134 students, Watts College provides an intimate learning environment in a metropolitan area of over 500,000 residents. The Research Triangle's concentration of universities, hospitals, and biotech companies creates abundant clinical placement opportunities for nursing students. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Watts College of Nursing with similar schools in the region.

Address: Durham, North Carolina 27705-2505

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (5 years): $66,199

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body size at Watts College of Nursing?

Watts College of Nursing enrolls just 134 students, making it one of the smallest nursing programs in North Carolina. The intimate size creates a close-knit learning environment where students receive highly personalized attention. Women make up 81.34% of the student body, which is typical for nursing programs nationwide.

How much financial aid do students receive at Watts College of Nursing?

Only 24.54% of students receive financial aid at Watts College of Nursing, suggesting many families can afford the full tuition. However, 78.53% of students take out federal loans to finance their education. The relatively low aid percentage may reflect the program's focus on students from higher-income backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Watts College of Nursing?

Watts College of Nursing maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and individualized mentoring. This low ratio allows nursing instructors to provide hands-on clinical supervision and personalized feedback. The college emphasizes quality over quantity in its educational approach.

What are the employment outcomes for Watts College of Nursing graduates?

Watts College of Nursing boasts a perfect 100% employment rate for its graduates. Alumni earn a median salary of $69,716 one year after graduation, reflecting strong demand for nurses in the Durham healthcare market. The five-year median earnings of $66,199 show stable career prospects in nursing.

Where is Watts College of Nursing located?

Watts College of Nursing sits in Durham, North Carolina, a large city known for its medical research and healthcare facilities. The location provides students with access to Duke University Medical Center and other major hospitals for clinical rotations. Durham's Research Triangle setting offers abundant internship and job opportunities in healthcare.

How diverse is the student body at Watts College of Nursing?

The student body is 55.22% White and 25.37% Black, reflecting greater racial diversity than many private nursing programs. Asian students represent 5.22% of enrollment, while Hispanic students make up 2.99%. The college's location in Durham contributes to this demographic mix through its diverse urban population.