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 gives you a low-cost path with a wide gap between your best and worst program outcomes. At roughly $4,000 a year with a median debt of $6,500, you graduate owing less than many people put on a single credit card. The 56.6% graduation rate is decent for a two-year school, and the low debt load means even a middling salary won't bury you.
The nursing associate degree is the clear financial winner here, paying well above the school's median earnings and above every other program listed. Dental support runs a close second. Both are tied to Goldsboro-area healthcare demand, so the jobs stay local. If you finish either program, your return easily justifies the cost.
The picture flips for the tech and trade tracks. Computer and information sciences and vehicle maintenance both land near or below the school's overall median, meaning your degree barely moves your pay above what many high school graduates earn. Precision metal working, a certificate, does better but still trails the health programs by a wide margin. Pick these tracks knowing the payoff is thin.
The main risk is program choice, not price. The school's median earnings sit low, which tells you plenty of graduates land in the weaker-paying fields. Your outcome depends almost entirely on which door you walk through.
The net price stays affordable across income levels, climbing from about $3,200 for families under $30k to roughly $7,500 for those at $75-110k. Lower-income families get the strongest deal here, and even the top tier pays a fraction of a four-year price.
This school fits you if you want nursing or dental work in the Goldsboro area at minimal cost and debt. Look elsewhere if you're set on a computing or automotive career and want that degree to lift your earnings much beyond entry level.
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.