Wayne Community College: $2,524 Tuition

$2,524Tuition

1,998Students

57%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,148Earnings

#16 in North CarolinaPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Wayne Community College

Wayne Community College has built a strong reputation in eastern North Carolina for workforce training and career preparation since 1958. The college serves 1,998 students in Goldsboro, a small city that provides an affordable college town atmosphere. Nearly all students are North Carolina residents (98.46%), creating a tight-knit community focused on local economic development.

The financial picture looks promising for most students. In-state tuition costs $2,524, but the average student pays just $4,152 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,223 net price. Graduates earn a median of $34,148 ten years after starting college, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $6,500. With monthly loan payments averaging just $69, most graduates can handle their debt comfortably.

The college maintains a practical focus on getting students into the workforce quickly. Employment rates reach 90.7% for graduates, reflecting strong connections with local employers. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, while the racial makeup includes 51% white, 23% Black, and 21% Hispanic students. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students prepare for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and other growing fields.

Academics & Faculty

Wayne Community College serves nearly 2,000 students with a focus on career preparation and workforce development. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. With a 56.6% graduation rate, the college provides solid support for students completing their programs. Wayne is particularly known for its health sciences programs, including nursing and medical assisting, which feed into the region's healthcare industry. The college also offers strong technical programs in areas like automotive technology and welding. Most students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly. The college maintains close ties with local employers in Goldsboro and surrounding areas to ensure programs meet current job market demands.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 56.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,148

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,107
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$47,260
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$35,416
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$33,993
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Associate	$32,213
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Associate	$24,201
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$24,035
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$23,649
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$23,340
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$19,227

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

Wayne Community College draws 1,998 students to Goldsboro, a city of 35,000 about an hour southeast of Raleigh. The campus sits in eastern North Carolina's agricultural heartland, where summers mean high humidity and temperatures in the 80s and 90s. You'll need both a light jacket for winter and plenty of sunscreen for the long growing season.

Nearly all students (98.46%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community where many grew up in similar small towns. Women make up 59.46% of enrollment, and the student body reflects the region's diversity with 51.20% white, 23.37% Black, and 21.17% Hispanic students. Since Wayne is a commuter college without residence halls, students typically live at home or in nearby apartments. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and progress personally.

Weekend life often revolves around family, part-time jobs, and community events rather than campus activities. Many students work while attending classes, preparing for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture that drive the local economy. The Bison athletic teams provide some campus spirit, though most social connections happen in small study groups and career-focused clubs.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–52°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.8"
Annual Snowfall: -773.4"

Student Demographics

Wayne Community College draws students from across North Carolina, with nearly all coming from in-state. The student body is 60% women, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and human services that traditionally attract more female students. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in eastern North Carolina. The diverse racial makeup mirrors the changing demographics of Goldsboro and surrounding Wayne County. Students typically juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing career training or transferring to four-year universities.

Men: 40.5%
Women: 59.5%
White: 51.2%
Black: 23.4%
Hispanic: 21.2%
Asian: 1.1%
In-State Students: 98.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.5%

Location

Wayne Community College sits in Goldsboro, North Carolina, about 55 miles southeast of Raleigh. This small city of roughly 35,000 people serves as the county seat of Wayne County in eastern North Carolina's coastal plain region. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep local roots. Goldsboro has a rich military history, with Seymour Johnson Air Force Base nearby contributing to the area's economy and character. The region features flat farmland and small towns typical of eastern North Carolina, offering a quiet setting for focused study. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Wayne Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534-8002

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,148
Median Earnings (5 years): $39,786
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 29.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $69/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Wayne Community College?

Wayne Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges, welcoming students who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent. With nearly 2,000 students enrolled, the college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in the Goldsboro area. The institution focuses on providing educational opportunities regardless of previous academic performance.

How much does Wayne Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,152 annually, making Wayne Community College one of the most affordable options in North Carolina. In-state tuition starts at just $2,524, while families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $3,223 after aid. The low costs reflect the college's mission to provide accessible career training and transfer preparation.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wayne Community College?

Wayne Community College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in technical and academic programs. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. Small class sizes help students develop the practical skills needed for immediate employment or university transfer.

What are the job prospects for Wayne Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 90.7% employment rate, reflecting strong connections with local employers in eastern North Carolina. Median earnings reach $34,148 within ten years of graduation, competitive for associate degree holders. The college's focus on workforce development programs aligns well with regional manufacturing and healthcare job markets.

Where do Wayne Community College students come from?

Nearly all students (98.46%) come from North Carolina, with the college serving primarily as a local institution for Goldsboro and surrounding Wayne County. The student body is 59.46% female and reflects the area's diversity with 51.20% white, 23.37% Black, and 21.17% Hispanic students. This local focus strengthens ties between the college and regional employers.

Does Wayne Community College offer good graduation rates for a community college?

Wayne Community College achieves a 56.60% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for a two-year institution where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing programs. The college has served the community since 1958, building a reputation for practical career preparation. Students typically graduate with manageable debt, averaging just $6,500 with monthly payments of $69.