At $5,357/yr net price, Western Piedmont Community College graduates earn $34,195/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $195/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,357 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $21,428 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,195/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$195/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 109.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,915/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,763/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,749/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $7,474/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 | $61,218 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $36,085 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $27,995 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $25,484 |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Western Piedmont Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Western Piedmont Community College delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths, particularly in healthcare, though your program choice makes all the difference. At $5,357 annually, the school's low cost creates favorable ROI conditions even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $61,218 within ten years. This represents more than 11 times the annual program cost and positions you well in North Carolina's growing healthcare market. Criminal justice graduates also see reasonable returns at $36,085, though job availability in rural western North Carolina may limit opportunities.
The school's other health programs present mixed outcomes. Dental support services and medical assisting lead to earnings below $28,000, which barely justifies even the modest tuition cost when factoring in opportunity costs and living expenses during school.
The 35.7% graduation rate poses the biggest financial risk. You face roughly two-in-three odds of not completing your program, which means losing tuition money and time without gaining credentials. This low completion rate suggests academic support may be limited or student preparation inadequate.
Western Piedmont works best if you're targeting nursing or live locally to minimize living costs while attending. The school makes less sense if you're considering lower-paying programs or need to relocate for attendance. With only one-third of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited.
You should have strong academic preparation and clear career focus before enrolling. The combination of low completion rates and program-dependent outcomes means unfocused students risk poor financial returns despite the affordable tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Piedmont Community College worth the cost?
At $5,357 per year, Western Piedmont Community College offers affordable education, but graduates earn only $34,195 ten years after enrollment. The low graduation rate of 36% means many students don't finish their programs.
Which Western Piedmont Community College programs have the best ROI?
Registered Nursing graduates earn $61,218 annually, making it the clear winner for return on investment. Criminal Justice graduates earn $36,085, while most other health programs pay significantly less despite similar training costs.
What are the risks of attending Western Piedmont Community College?
The biggest risk is the 36% graduation rate, meaning nearly two-thirds of students don't complete their programs. Even graduates in non-nursing fields often earn wages barely above the regional average.
How much debt do Western Piedmont Community College students typically have?
As a community college with a net price of $5,357 annually, most students can complete programs with minimal debt if they graduate within two years. The main financial risk comes from not completing the program rather than excessive borrowing.