Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $34,728
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,625
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 33.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $81/mo
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 | $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 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $19,929 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $18,087 |
Outcomes Overview
Wilkes Community College graduates earn a median salary of $34,728 within ten years, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 22% with typical debt loads of $7,625. Monthly loan payments of $81 represent only 2.8% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 94.5% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the rural North Carolina market. Most graduates enter healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that anchor the local economy around Wilkesboro. The college's workforce development programs align closely with regional employer needs in the Blue Ridge foothills. With nearly free tuition for many students and solid earning potential, this represents a strong return on investment for career-focused education.