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 runs on a nursing-or-nothing math. The typical graduate earns about $33,000 a decade out, but that number hides a wide split: the associate nursing program pays around $55,000, while business administration and liberal arts graduates land closer to $25,000-27,000. Nursing is roughly double the other two programs listed. If you enroll here, your major decides whether this pays off.
The cost side is modest. Under $7,000 a year in net price and a median debt of $10,500 mean you are not borrowing your way into a hole. For a nursing student, that debt clears fast against a $55,000 salary. For a liberal arts or business student earning in the mid-$20,000s, even $10,500 in debt is heavier than it looks, and the two-year associate degree may function as a transfer step to a four-year school rather than an end point.
The main risk is the 35.6% graduation rate. Nearly two in three students do not finish, and dropping out with debt and no credential is the worst outcome here. The nursing payoff only exists if you complete the program and pass licensure.
Net price barely moves across income levels,families earning under $30,000 pay about $6,800, and those at $48,000-75,000 pay slightly more at around $7,700. There is no steep discount for lower-income families in this data, so budget for close to the full number regardless of income.
This school is a strong financial fit if you are committed to nursing and can finish. If you are drawn to business or liberal arts, treat it as a cheap transfer credit source, not a career program on its own, and compare four-year options before you commit.
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.