At $6,356/yr net price, Westmoreland County Community College graduates earn $37,439/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $3,439/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,356 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,424 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $37,439/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$3,439/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 25.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,128/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,820/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,067/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,866/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,373/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 | $56,415 |
The Risk Factor
25.4% of students at Westmoreland County 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
Westmoreland County Community College delivers solid returns for students who complete their programs, but the 25% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Your investment of $6,356 per year pays off well if you finish, with median earnings of $37,439 representing nearly six times your annual cost.
The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $56,415 annually. This puts nursing students on track to recoup their investment quickly and build substantial career value. Other programs show weaker returns, making program choice critical to your financial outcome.
The low graduation rate represents the biggest financial danger at Westmoreland. With three out of four students failing to complete their programs, you face substantial risk of investing time and money without receiving a credential. The modest $11,000 median debt level helps limit losses for students who don't finish, but any debt without a degree hurts your financial position.
This school makes financial sense if you have strong academic preparation and clear career goals, particularly in nursing. The low net price makes it affordable for most Pennsylvania families, and only 28% of students need financial aid. You should look elsewhere if you lack direction or struggle with academic fundamentals, as the completion statistics suggest many students arrive unprepared for college-level work.
The college offers a low-risk entry point into higher education for motivated students. Your success depends more on your preparation and commitment than on the school's resources or reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westmoreland County Community College worth the cost?
At $6,356 per year, WCCC offers affordable education, but the 25% graduation rate is concerning. Nursing programs provide solid returns with $56,415 median earnings, while other programs may struggle to justify even the low cost.
What programs at Westmoreland County Community College have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $56,415 annually. Other programs typically lead to earnings around $37,439, which may not provide strong ROI depending on your career goals.
How much debt do Westmoreland County Community College graduates have?
Graduates typically leave with $11,000 in debt, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. However, with only 25% of students graduating, many may accumulate debt without completing their programs.
What are the job prospects after Westmoreland County Community College?
Job prospects vary significantly by program, with nursing graduates seeing strong demand and higher wages. Other programs may offer limited career advancement, as reflected in the overall median earnings of $37,439.