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Colleges / NC / Raleigh
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Wake Technical Community College

Public Raleigh, NC · Suburban · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
32%
Graduation Rate
$41,769
Earnings (10yr)
$8,759
Net Price
19,675
Enrollment

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Overview

With nearly 20,000 students, Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC, is a vibrant hub for those looking to jumpstart their careers or shift directions. It’s particularly appealing for individuals interested in hands-on fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Computer Science. The emphasis on practical skills means students are not just learning theory; they are preparing for real-world jobs that matter.

When it comes to life after graduation, students can expect to earn around $41,769 after ten years. This figure gives a sense of the return on investment from their education. Considering the average debt is only $12,000, many graduates find themselves in a relatively strong financial position. The affordability of Wake Tech, with a net price of $8,759 after aid, allows graduates to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by excessive student loans.

In practical terms, Wake Tech is a great fit for students who thrive in a supportive, community-oriented environment. The combination of reasonable tuition and manageable debt makes it accessible for those from various backgrounds. Students who are proactive and engaged in their studies often find the pathways they need to succeed, leading to solid job opportunities in their chosen fields.

Rankings

How Wake Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation32%Earnings 10yr$42KNet Price$9KRetention72%Median Debt$12KPell Grant Rate28%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$7K$0-30K$7K$30-48K$9K$48-75K$15K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1036.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%918.3%MOBILITY95.14%

Cost & Financial Aid

$2,254
In-State Tuition
$6,862
Out-of-State
$8,759
Avg Net Price
$12,000
Median Debt
28%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$6,682
Family Income $0–$30K
$7,486
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,108
Family Income $48K–$75K
$15,067
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$35,300
6 Years After Entry
$38,144
8 Years
$41,769
10 Years
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
52%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$35,300 6yr $38,144 8yr $41,769 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

95.14%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
918.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1036.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$78,900
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.03
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.06
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.2%
Volunteering Rate
0.95
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.155%
Inventor Rate
20
Total Patents
29
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 72%
Full-Time Faculty 46%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,820
Diversity Index 0.73
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Humanities 22%
Business & Marketing 20%
Computer Science & IT 16%
Health Professions 8%
Visual & Performing Arts 7%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 6%
Construction Trades 5%
Criminal Justice 3%

Quick Facts

Setting Suburban
Region Southeast
Accreditor Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Predominant Degree Certificate

Student Body

Female
58%
White
42%
Hispanic
20%
Black
22%
Asian
5%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

Opportunity Insights Patent Data

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