At $4,037/yr net price, Wytheville Community College graduates earn $34,303/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $303/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,037 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $16,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,303/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$303/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 53.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,038/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,875/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,948/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,014/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,715/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $50,606 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,439 | $11,497 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $43,426 | |
| Construction Trades, General. | Certificate | $33,993 | |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $31,423 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $28,055 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $25,967 | $8,250 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $25,194 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $24,325 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $19,045 |
The Risk Factor
45.3% of students at Wytheville 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
Wytheville Community College delivers solid returns if you pick the right program and finish your degree. The $4,037 annual cost makes this one of Virginia's more affordable community colleges, but the 45% graduation rate means many students never see any return on investment.
Your program choice determines everything here. Dental support services and nursing graduates earn over $50,000 annually, making the modest debt loads worthwhile. Allied health programs also perform well at $43,426. These healthcare tracks justify the investment and align with Southwest Virginia's medical job market.
Construction trades graduates face a tougher financial picture at $33,993, barely above the state median for community college graduates. Practical nursing programs underperform at $31,423 despite the regional demand for healthcare workers.
The biggest risk at Wytheville is not finishing. With fewer than half of students completing their programs, you face a real chance of accumulating debt without earning a credential. The college serves a rural region where job opportunities outside healthcare remain limited.
This school works best for career changers entering healthcare fields or local students who cannot relocate for education. If you need extensive academic support or prefer urban job markets, look elsewhere. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited need-based assistance, but the affordable sticker price partially compensates.
Focus on healthcare programs if you enroll here. Other fields offer weak returns given the regional economy. Complete your program within the typical timeframe to avoid the financial dead end that nearly half of students encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wytheville Community College worth the cost?
Wytheville Community College offers strong value with a low net price of $4,037 per year and modest debt loads averaging $7,500. However, the 45% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI.
What are the highest paying programs at Wytheville Community College?
Dental support services ($50,606) and registered nursing ($50,439) offer the best earning potential at Wytheville Community College. These healthcare programs provide starting salaries well above the school's average graduate earnings of $34,303.
How much debt do Wytheville Community College graduates have?
Wytheville Community College graduates carry a median debt of $7,500, which is manageable compared to four-year schools. The low cost and minimal borrowing make financial risk relatively small even if career outcomes disappoint.
Do Wytheville Community College graduates earn good salaries?
Most Wytheville Community College graduates earn $34,303 ten years after enrollment, which is modest but reasonable for a two-year degree. Healthcare program graduates earn significantly more, while other fields may struggle to reach even this average.