Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $38,729
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
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 | $53,775 | $12,498 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,127 | $9,169 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,154 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Nebraska Community College graduates enter the workforce with manageable debt loads. The median debt of $9,000 creates monthly payments of just $95, representing only 2.8% of typical graduate earnings of $40,572 in the first year after graduation. This debt-to-income ratio of 0.22 is strongly low compared to most colleges. The 97% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for skilled workers in agriculture, healthcare, and energy sectors that dominate the Panhandle economy. Graduates often find work in wind energy, medical assisting, welding, and agricultural technology. Many transfer to four-year schools after building affordable credits. With low debt and strong job placement, WNCC delivers a strong return on investment for career-focused students.