Wilson Community College: $2,572 Tuition

$2,572Tuition

807Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$32,973Earnings

Public2-yearData: 2023-24

About Wilson Community College

Wilson Community College serves 807 students in eastern North Carolina's tobacco country, where the small-town setting creates tight connections between students and faculty. This community college has built its reputation on practical job training since 1958, with programs that feed directly into the region's healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll actually know your professors, not just sit in lecture halls.

The financial picture looks reasonable for working-class students. In-state tuition costs $2,572, but the average student pays $6,753 after factoring in living expenses and fees. Most graduates carry $10,500 in debt, which translates to monthly payments of just $111. The payoff comes quickly, with recent graduates earning $43,622 in their first year after finishing. That means your degree pays for itself faster than most four-year programs.

Two-thirds of students are women, and the student body reflects eastern North Carolina's demographics with 46% white and 38% Black students. Only 36% of students graduate within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many attend part-time while working. The 92% employment rate shows that Wilson's career-focused approach works for students who finish their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Wilson Community College serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable career training or transfer preparation in eastern North Carolina. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention that's hard to find at larger schools. The college focuses heavily on workforce development programs like nursing, welding, and automotive technology that connect directly to local job markets. About 36% of students complete their programs within six years, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working. The school's semester system allows students to balance education with family and work responsibilities, making it a practical choice for non-traditional students looking to gain new skills or change careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $32,973

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,512
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$27,048
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$25,194

View all 44 programs →

Campus Life

Wilson Community College sits in a small tobacco and manufacturing town about 45 minutes east of Raleigh. The 807 students attend classes on a compact campus that feels more like a large high school than a traditional college. With 67% of students being women and 100% coming from North Carolina, the atmosphere is local and tight-knit. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and will notice if you skip class.

Most students commute from nearby towns and rural areas, so campus life revolves around class time rather than weekend activities. You'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and shorts for humid summer days that hit 90 degrees. Students often work part-time jobs in Wilson's retail shops or nearby factories while taking classes. The social scene happens mostly off-campus at local restaurants like Parker's Barbecue or the Wilson Mills covered bridge area. With no dorms, students head home after classes or gather in study groups at the library before driving back to their jobs and families.

Setting: Town-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1958

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–51°F
July Avg: 70°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.0"
Annual Snowfall: 1.7"

Student Demographics

Wilson Community College draws students from across eastern North Carolina who want affordable career training close to home. About two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the college's strong programs in nursing, early childhood education, and other fields that traditionally attract female students. The student body is evenly split between white and Black students, with a growing Hispanic population that mirrors Wilson County's changing demographics. Most students work while attending classes and choose Wilson because it offers practical job skills without the debt load of a four-year university.

Men: 33.0%
Women: 67.0%
White: 46.1%
Black: 37.6%
Hispanic: 9.1%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 25.1%

Location

Wilson Community College sits in Wilson, North Carolina, about 45 miles east of Raleigh in the eastern part of the state. Wilson is a small city of around 50,000 people that serves as a regional center for the surrounding tobacco farming area. The campus draws students from across eastern North Carolina's rural counties, where many families have deep agricultural roots. Wilson itself has been working to diversify beyond tobacco, with some manufacturing and healthcare jobs. The area feels more like traditional small-town North Carolina than the fast-growing Research Triangle region around Raleigh-Durham. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Wilson Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wilson, North Carolina 27893

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $32,973
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,221
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Wilson Community College?

Wilson Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of North Carolina community colleges. The school serves 807 students with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. Founded in 1958, the college focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation for eastern North Carolina.

How much does Wilson Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,753 annually at Wilson Community College. In-state tuition costs just $2,572, making it one of the more affordable options in North Carolina. Only 25% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the college's already low sticker price.

What academic programs is Wilson Community College known for?

Wilson Community College offers career-focused programs with strong ties to local employers in eastern North Carolina. The college maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that supports hands-on learning in technical fields. Students can choose from associate degree and certificate programs designed for immediate workforce entry or university transfer.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Wilson Community College?

Graduates achieve a 92% employment rate within six months of completing their programs. The median earnings reach $32,973 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical job skills. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $10,500 and monthly loan payments of just $111.

Where is Wilson Community College located and what is campus life like?

Wilson Community College sits in Wilson, North Carolina, a town-fringe community that blends small-town charm with regional economic opportunities. The student body of 807 is 67% female and draws entirely from North Carolina residents. The intimate campus size creates a close-knit environment where students and faculty know each other personally.

Does Wilson Community College serve a diverse student population?

The college reflects the demographics of eastern North Carolina with 46% white students and 38% Black students. Hispanic students make up 9% of enrollment, contributing to the cultural diversity on campus. This demographic mix creates an environment where students from different backgrounds learn and work together in small classes.