At $-28/yr net price, Wilkes Community College graduates earn $34,728/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $728/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $-28 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $-112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,728/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$728/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | -0.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,625 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $563/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $1,855/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $982/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 | $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 |
The Risk Factor
52.4% of students at Wilkes Community College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Wilkes Community College delivers strong financial value with a negative net price that means you receive more in financial aid than tuition costs. This North Carolina community college produces graduates earning $34,728 after ten years while carrying minimal debt of $7,625.
Your program choice determines your financial outcome at Wilkes. Nursing students earn $52,107 annually, making this the clear financial winner that justifies any educational investment. Allied health diagnostic programs also pay well at $38,721. However, criminal justice graduates earn just $30,771 to $34,348, which barely exceeds the overall median and may not provide strong career advancement in rural western North Carolina.
The 52% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without credentials, wasting time and potential aid eligibility. Vehicle maintenance and repair technology offers solid middle-class earnings at $34,526, but depends heavily on local automotive industry demand.
This school works best if you need healthcare training while staying local or want skilled trades preparation without major debt. The negative net price makes it ideal for students qualifying for substantial federal aid. You should look elsewhere if you want four-year degree pathways or programs leading to higher-paying careers.
Only 29% of students receive financial aid, suggesting either strong local affordability or limited aid awareness. Focus on completing your chosen program since the low graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish. The nursing program represents your best bet for strong long-term earnings that exceed typical community college outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilkes Community College worth the cost?
Wilkes Community College offers exceptional value with students actually receiving money back (negative net price of $28 per year) due to generous financial aid. With median debt of only $7,625 and nursing programs leading to $52,000+ salaries, the ROI is strong for career-focused programs.
What are the highest paying programs at Wilkes Community College?
Registered nursing programs at Wilkes Community College provide the best return, with graduates earning around $52,000 annually. Allied health programs follow at $38,000, while automotive and criminal justice programs typically lead to lower-paying careers around $30,000-35,000.
How much student debt do Wilkes Community College graduates have?
Wilkes Community College graduates carry minimal debt with a median of $7,625. The combination of low debt and strong financial aid makes this school financially accessible, though earnings vary significantly by program choice.
Does Wilkes Community College have good graduation rates?
Wilkes Community College has a 52% graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges. Students who complete nursing or allied health programs see strong career outcomes, but nearly half of students don't finish their programs.