At $5,021/yr net price, Wharton County Junior College graduates earn $44,960/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,960/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,021 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,084 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,960/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,960/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 19.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,703 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,465/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $2,553/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,857/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,962/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,925/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Science Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $67,566 | $14,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,485 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 | $9,569 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $52,941 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $50,356 | |
| Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $50,000 | |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,467 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $38,289 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,140 | $8,642 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $12,961 |
The Risk Factor
19.6% of students at Wharton County Junior 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
Wharton County Junior College delivers strong financial returns for students who complete its health and technical programs, but the extremely low graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment.
The nursing program stands out as your best financial bet, producing graduates who earn $57,318 annually with only $9,569 in debt. Physical science technology programs offer even higher earnings at $67,566, though with slightly more debt. Dental support services and allied health programs also clear $50,000 in annual earnings, making these career-focused tracks solid investments at this price point.
The major red flag is the 19.6% graduation rate, meaning four out of five students leave without completing their programs. This creates substantial risk that you'll accumulate debt and time costs without earning the credential needed for higher-paying jobs. Criminal justice programs show weaker returns compared to health fields, earning about $50,000 annually.
Your financial aid picture is mixed. Only 26% of students receive aid, suggesting either limited need-based support or a student body that doesn't qualify for significant assistance. The low net price of $5,021 makes this school accessible, but only if you actually graduate.
This school works best for students with clear career goals in nursing or technical fields who can commit to program completion. The low cost makes it worth the risk if you're certain about your major and have strong study habits. Avoid Wharton County if you're undecided about your career path or struggle with academic persistence. The graduation rate suggests many students would be better served by four-year institutions or community colleges with stronger support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wharton County Junior College worth the money?
With a net price of $5,021 per year and graduates earning $44,960 after 10 years, Wharton County Junior College offers decent value for the cost. However, the 19.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Wharton County Junior College?
Physical Science Technologies leads at $67,566 in graduate earnings, followed by Dental Support Services at $59,485 and Nursing at $57,318. These programs offer strong return on investment compared to the school's overall graduate earnings of $44,960.
How much student debt do Wharton County Junior College graduates have?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $7,703, which is manageable given the low annual cost. The debt-to-earnings ratio is reasonable for most programs, especially the higher-paying technical fields.
Should I attend Wharton County Junior College if I'm unsure about finishing?
With only 1 in 5 students graduating, Wharton County Junior College has completion challenges that could waste your time and money. Consider your commitment level and support systems before enrolling.