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Western Piedmont Community College

Community CollegeCity: Small

About Western Piedmont Community College

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Western Piedmont Community College teaches in Morganton, in the North Carolina foothills. Cosmetology and nursing are among its largest programs.

Founded

1964

Location

Morganton, North Carolina

Students

1,339

Institution

Community College

Known For

CosmetologyNursingMedical Lab ScienceTransfer Pathways

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

Open

Admits all qualified applicants

Graduation Rate

48.7%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$2,650

Out-of-state: $8,794

Avg Net Price

$6,448

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not required

No test scores requested

Median Earnings

$34,195

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Open Admission

Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate

How to Apply

Test Policy

No test needed

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
48.7%

Below Average

48.7% complete their degree within three years

Retention

75.2%

Transfer Out

13%

Teaching Quality

11:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

25.7%

$/Student

$10.0K

Class Size

Medium

While 48.7% finish in 4 years, 75.2% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$2,650

In-State

/

$8,794

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

No on-campus housing

Books & Supplies

$1,500

Total Cost of Attendance

$16,642

After Financial Aid

$6,448

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$4,471

Receive Grants

45.4%

Take Loans

0%

Tuition is $2,650/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $6,448.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Piedmont Community College fund their education.

While in School

45.4%

Get Grants

Free money

0%

Take Loans

Must repay

$22,002

Median Family Income

After Graduation

N/A

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

N/A

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Piedmont Community College.

Gender

62.2%

Female

/

38%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

70.1%
14.9%
7.2%
6.1%
0.4%
0.3%
White
Hispanic
Asian
Black
Multiracial
International

Enrollment

1,339

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

N/A

Graduates

46.1%

First-Gen

24 yrs

Avg Age

23.6%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 46.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
City: Small

City: Small

Campus Quick Facts

1,339

Students

community

Institution

Small

Campus Size

N/A

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

No

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

No

ROTC

No

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

No

Career Counseling

Yes

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Western Piedmont Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$34,195

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$30K
6yr
$26K
8yr
$34K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$29K

141 grads

1yr Earnings

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

18 grads

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$67K

18 grads

1yr Earnings

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions

13 grads

Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians

11 grads

Business Administration, Management and Operations

11 grads

Median earnings are $34K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Western Piedmont Community College

How much does Western Piedmont Community College cost?
Tuition at Western Piedmont Community College is $2,650 for in-state students and $8,794 for out-of-state students. Tuition is $2,650/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $6,448.
What is the graduation rate at Western Piedmont Community College?
Western Piedmont Community College has a graduation rate of 48.7%. While 48.7% finish in 4 years, 75.2% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
How much do Western Piedmont Community College graduates earn?
The median earnings for Western Piedmont Community College graduates is $34,195 ten years after enrollment. Median earnings are $34K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.