At $6,753/yr net price, Wilson Community College graduates earn $32,973/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,753 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $27,012 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,973/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,027/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,809/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,158/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,739/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 | $55,512 | $10,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $27,048 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
35.6% of students at Wilson Community 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
Wilson Community College offers one of the strongest ROI propositions among North Carolina community colleges, primarily due to its standout nursing program and rock-bottom costs. Your annual net price of $6,753 makes this school affordable even without significant financial aid.
The nursing program drives Wilson's financial appeal. Graduates earn $55,512 annually with typical debt of just $10,500, creating an strong debt-to-income ratio. This program alone justifies choosing Wilson over pricier alternatives if you can handle the competitive admission requirements.
Business and liberal arts programs tell a different story. Business graduates earn $27,048 while liberal arts majors make $25,194, both well below the state median for college graduates. These programs may work if you plan to transfer to a four-year school, but the standalone financial return is weak.
Wilson's 35.6% graduation rate presents the biggest financial risk. Nearly two-thirds of students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credential to show for it. This risk is particularly concerning given that only 25% of students receive financial aid.
Wilson works best for career-focused students targeting specific technical programs, especially nursing. The low sticker price means you can afford to take calculated risks on programs with uncertain job prospects. However, students seeking broad educational exposure or those uncertain about their career direction should consider schools with stronger support systems and higher completion rates.
The minimal financial aid availability means merit scholarships are limited, but the low base cost reduces your need for additional funding compared to other North Carolina colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wilson Community College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Wilson Community College offers decent value with a low net price of $6,753 annually and modest debt levels around $10,500. However, the 35.6% graduation rate is concerning, and typical earnings of $32,973 after 10 years are below average for college graduates.
Which programs at Wilson Community College have the best ROI?
The nursing programs clearly offer the best return, with graduates earning around $55,512 annually. Business and liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $27,048 and $25,194 respectively, which may not justify the time investment for some students.
What are the financial aid options at Wilson Community College?
With a net price of $6,753 after aid, Wilson Community College is relatively affordable for most students. The low median debt of $10,500 suggests financial aid covers a substantial portion of costs for many students.
Is Wilson Community College a good investment for career outcomes?
Wilson Community College works best for students pursuing nursing, where career prospects justify the investment. For other fields, the combination of low graduation rates and modest earnings makes the ROI questionable compared to completing a four-year degree elsewhere.