Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / NC / Swannanoa
Warren Wilson College logo

Warren Wilson College

Private nonprofit Swannanoa, NC · Rural · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
42%
Graduation Rate
$36,260
Earnings (10yr)
$21,249
Net Price
71%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

Warren Wilson College is an inviting option for students who appreciate a close-knit community and a hands-on learning approach. With an enrollment of 707 students and a 71% acceptance rate, it caters to those who are looking for an intimate educational environment. Here, students dive into areas like Biology, English, Business, Psychology, and Health Professions, blending academic rigor with practical experience, which is essential for building a strong foundation for their careers.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $36,260 ten years down the line. This figure provides a glimpse into the financial realities of life after college. Given the college's focus on experiential learning, many graduates may find themselves moving into impactful roles within their chosen fields. Affordability is another consideration; with 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college aims to support those from lower-income backgrounds as they transition to the workforce.

When we talk about the financial aspects, Warren Wilson has a net price of $21,249 after aid, which is manageable compared to many other private institutions. The median debt stands at $25,000, a figure that underscores the importance of careful financial planning. Students who thrive here typically value community engagement and hands-on learning, making the most of what this college has to offer while remaining financially responsible.

Rankings

How Warren Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation42%Earnings 10yr$36KNet Price$21KRetention71%Median Debt$25KPell Grant Rate40%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$14K$0-30K$18K$30-48K$21K$48-75K$28K$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%659.2%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%958.9%MOBILITY63.21%

Cost & Financial Aid

$41,500
In-State Tuition
$41,500
Out-of-State
$21,249
Avg Net Price
$25,000
Median Debt
40%
Pell Grant Rate
53%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$13,566
Family Income $0–$30K
$17,514
Family Income $30K–$48K
$21,046
Family Income $48K–$75K
$27,982
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$27,723
6 Years After Entry
$30,464
8 Years
$36,260
10 Years
0.69x
Debt-to-Earnings
31%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$27,723 6yr $30,464 8yr $36,260 10yr

Social Mobility

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

63.21%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
958.9%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
659.2%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$104,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.50
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.02
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
31.1%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 71%
Retention Rate 71%
SAT Average 1350
ACT Midpoint 27
ACT Range 25–29
Full-Time Faculty 69%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,280
Diversity Index 0.40
First-Gen Students 20%

Top Programs

Biology & Biomedical 15%
English & Literature 13%
Business & Marketing 7%
Psychology 6%
Health Professions 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Social Sciences 3%
Mathematics & Statistics 1%