About Wilkes Community College
The financial picture here tells a compelling story. Students from middle-income families pay just $982 net after aid, while those from lower-income backgrounds often receive money back with an average net price of negative $28. Graduates earn a median of $34,728 within ten years, carrying only $7,625 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $81, making this education genuinely affordable for working-class families.
Nearly 99% of students come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Women make up 54% of enrollment, reflecting strong interest in the college's health sciences programs. The 94.5% employment rate demonstrates how well the curriculum aligns with regional job opportunities. About 29% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves many first-generation college students from Appalachian communities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 20.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,728
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,721 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $34,526 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $34,348 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Associate | $28,753 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $26,933 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $24,421 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $23,824 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $23,456 |
Campus Life
With 98.96% of students coming from in-state, most commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in small classrooms. Students often work part-time jobs in the area's furniture manufacturing or healthcare industries while attending classes. The Cougars don't field major athletic teams, so campus life stays focused on academics and career preparation.
Weekends revolve around outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains. Students hike, fish, or visit nearby Boone for entertainment. Many return home to family farms or small towns throughout the region. The college serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce with technical skills. Campus events tend to be low-key, reflecting the rural mountain community's character.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1964
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Incest | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–48°F
- July Avg
- 65°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 99.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- -766.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.9%
- Women
- 54.1%
- White
- 78.4%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 13.6%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.1%
Location
- Address
- Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,728
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $37,335
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $24,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $81/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Wilkes Community College?
Wilkes Community College maintains an open-door admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges. The school serves 1,881 students with nearly 99% coming from in-state, making it primarily a local institution for the Wilkesboro area.
How much does Wilkes Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of negative $28, meaning financial aid exceeds costs for many students. In-state tuition runs $2,572 annually, while the typical graduate leaves with just $7,625 in debt and monthly loan payments of $81.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Wilkes Community College?
The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, providing small class sizes common at community colleges. This intimate learning environment supports students pursuing career training and transfer programs in the North Carolina foothills.
What do graduates of Wilkes Community College typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $34,728 ten years after graduation with a strong 94.5% employment rate. The college focuses on practical workforce training that connects directly to regional job opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare.
Where is Wilkes Community College located?
The campus sits in Wilkesboro, a small town in the Blue Ridge foothills of western North Carolina. With 54% women and 46% men enrolled, the college serves as an educational anchor for this rural Appalachian community.
Does Wilkes Community College have good graduation rates?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 52.4%, which is solid for a community college serving working adults and first-generation students. Founded in 1964, the school has built a reputation for helping local residents gain skills and credentials without leaving their mountain community.
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