At $4,152/yr net price, Wayne Community College graduates earn $34,148/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $148/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,152 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,148/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$148/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 112.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $6,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,223/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,293/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,213/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,529/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
56.6% of students at Wayne Community 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
Wayne Community College delivers solid financial value for a two-year institution, with a net price of just $4,152 annually and median debt of only $6,500 upon graduation. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $52,107 annually,well above the college's overall median of $34,148.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Nursing and dental support services graduates earn nearly 40% more than the college average, while automotive repair and general computer science programs cluster closer to $33,000. The precision metalworking program offers middle-ground earnings at $35,416, reflecting solid demand for skilled trades in eastern North Carolina.
The 56% graduation rate presents the main financial risk. You face nearly a coin flip chance of completing your program, which could leave you with debt but no credential. However, the low debt load limits your downside risk compared to four-year institutions.
Wayne Community College works best if you're targeting healthcare fields or skilled trades in the Research Triangle region. The nursing program's strong earnings justify the investment, especially given the growing healthcare demand in North Carolina. You should look elsewhere if you want technology careers beyond basic IT support, as the computer science program's $33,993 median barely exceeds what many employers pay for high school graduates with certificates.
Financial aid reaches only 37% of students, suggesting many pay the low sticker price without additional support. Focus on completing your program quickly to maximize your return,the low cost per credit hour means every semester you extend adds minimal debt but delays your entry into higher-paying work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wayne Community College worth the cost?
Wayne Community College offers solid value with a low net price of $4,152 per year and median debt of only $6,500. However, the average earnings of $34,148 ten years after graduation are below national averages for college graduates.
Which Wayne Community College programs have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Wayne Community College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $52,107 annually. Dental support services also pays well at $47,260, while other programs like computer science and auto repair offer more modest returns in the $32,000-$35,000 range.
What is the graduation rate at Wayne Community College?
Wayne Community College has a 56.6% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges but means nearly half of students don't complete their programs.
How much debt do Wayne Community College graduates have?
Wayne Community College graduates typically have low debt loads, with a median of $6,500. The school's affordable tuition helps keep borrowing minimal compared to four-year institutions.