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 gives you a low-cost entry point with one clear payoff and a lot of uncertainty around everything else. At roughly $6,356 a year with $11,000 in median debt, your financial exposure is small compared to a four-year school. But the median earnings ten years out sit at $37,439, which tells you most paths here land in modest-wage territory.
Nursing is the program that pays. The associate degree in registered nursing reports earnings near $56,415, about $19,000 a year above the school-wide median. If you come here for nursing and finish, the math works strongly in your favor: low debt, high regional demand for nurses, and a credential that transfers directly into a job. No other program at this school reports earnings in that range, so nursing carries the ROI story almost by itself.
The biggest risk is the graduation rate of 25.4%. Three out of four students who enroll don't finish on schedule, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the low price stops protecting you. Your return depends heavily on completing, and completing quickly.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30k, you pay about $4,128. over $110k, you pay $10,373. That's still affordable at the top end, but the aid clearly tilts toward families earning less.
This school fits you if you're targeting nursing or a specific transfer path and can commit to finishing. It's a low-risk place to start. Look harder before enrolling if you're undecided, since the average earnings outcome here is thin and the completion odds are against you unless you have a clear plan.
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.