At $21,371/yr net price, Wingate University graduates earn $52,649/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,649/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,371 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,484 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,649/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,649/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,966/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,094/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,089/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,083/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,692/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $116,828 | $169,231 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $105,376 | $126,291 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $81,333 | $36,936 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,867 | $27,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,482 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $23,200 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,228 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $26,625 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,671 | $25,925 |
The Risk Factor
46.8% of students at Wingate University 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
Wingate University delivers mixed financial returns, with your career outcome heavily dependent on your major choice. The pharmacy program stands out as the clear winner financially, producing graduates who earn $116,828 annually despite carrying $169,231 in debt. Allied health programs also generate strong returns at $105,376, though debt loads remain substantial at $126,291.
Business administration graduates earn $84,653 with manageable debt, making it a safer financial bet than the healthcare programs. Nursing provides solid middle-ground returns at $56,867 with reasonable $27,000 debt levels. Educational administration shows strong earnings at $81,333, but this typically requires graduate study and work experience.
The school's 46.80% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you struggle academically or lack clear career direction, you face real chances of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The 67.35% retention rate suggests many students transfer or drop out after freshman year.
Wingate works best financially if you can handle the academic demands of pharmacy or allied health programs and plan to work in North Carolina's growing healthcare sector. The $21,371 net price becomes worthwhile only if you complete your degree in a high-earning program.
Avoid Wingate if you're undecided about your major, considering lower-paying fields, or have academic struggles that could prevent graduation. The school's location in small-town North Carolina limits local internship and job opportunities outside healthcare and education.
With only 41.43% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly and choosing programs with clear career pipelines to maximize your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wingate University worth the cost?
Wingate University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy and health programs justify the cost with six-figure earnings, but the overall 10-year median salary of $52,649 barely covers the investment for most other degrees.
What are the highest paying majors at Wingate University?
Pharmacy leads at $116,828 annually, followed by allied health professions at $105,376. Business and education majors earn significantly less at around $80,000, while nursing graduates average $56,867.
How much debt do Wingate University graduates have?
The median debt is $25,000, which is manageable for pharmacy and health graduates but creates financial strain for lower-earning majors. With a 47% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Wingate University have good job placement after graduation?
Job outcomes vary dramatically by program. Health and pharmacy programs have strong career prospects, but the low 47% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees and enter the workforce.