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Wilkes Community College

Community CollegeTown: Distant

About Wilkes Community College

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Wilkes Community College teaches in Wilkesboro, in the Blue Ridge foothills of North Carolina. Nursing and business are its largest programs.

Founded

1964

Location

Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Students

1,355

Institution

Community College

Known For

NursingBusinessAutomotive & RepairTransfer Pathways

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

Open

Admits all qualified applicants

Graduation Rate

55.4%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$2,572

Out-of-state: $8,716

Avg Net Price

$-264

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not required

No test scores requested

Median Earnings

$34,728

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
55.4%

Average

55.4% complete their degree within three years

Retention

68.7%

Transfer Out

3%

Teaching Quality

8:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

20.7%

$/Student

$11.2K

Class Size

Small

55.4% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$2,572

In-State

/

$8,716

Out-of-State

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

Room & Board

No on-campus housing

Books & Supplies

$702

Total Cost of Attendance

$9,844

After Financial Aid

$-264

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$-1,444

Receive Grants

45.5%

Take Loans

0%

Don't let the $2,572 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $-264 after financial aid, a 110% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $-1,444.

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 Wilkes Community College fund their education.

While in School

45.5%

Get Grants

Free money

0%

Take Loans

Must repay

$21,928

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$7,625

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$81/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

The median debt is just $7,625, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

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

Gender

61.3%

Female

/

39%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

75.9%
17.2%
2.8%
2.3%
0.4%
0.2%
White
Hispanic
Black
Multiracial
Asian
International

Enrollment

1,355

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

N/A

Graduates

48.4%

First-Gen

23 yrs

Avg Age

13.3%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 48.4% 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
Town: Distant

Town: Distant

Campus Quick Facts

1,355

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

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

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

Earnings Trajectory

$34,728

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$33K
6yr
$26K
8yr
$35K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$26K

199 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$63K

29 grads

1yr Earnings

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$41K

27 grads

4yr Earnings

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians

$28K

22 grads

1yr Earnings

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions

$58K

22 grads

4yr Earnings

Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General

20 grads

Median earnings are $35K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wilkes Community College

How much does Wilkes Community College cost?
Tuition at Wilkes Community College is $2,572 for in-state students and $8,716 for out-of-state students. Don't let the $2,572 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $-264 after financial aid, a 110% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $-1,444.
What is the graduation rate at Wilkes Community College?
Wilkes Community College has a graduation rate of 55.4%. 55.4% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
How much do Wilkes Community College graduates earn?
The median earnings for Wilkes Community College graduates is $34,728 ten years after enrollment. Median earnings are $35K 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.