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Colleges / NC / Wilkesboro
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Wilkes Community College

Public Wilkesboro, NC · Town · Southeast · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
54%
Graduation Rate
$34,728
Earnings (10yr)
$-264
Net Price
1,355
Enrollment

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Overview

With around 1,355 students, Wilkes Community College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit learning environment. It stands out for its practical programs in Business & Marketing, Humanities, Mechanic & Repair Tech, Health Professions, and Criminal Justice, allowing students to gain hands-on skills that align with their career goals. If you’re someone who values direct pathways into the workforce, this college might just be what you're looking for.

When we look at life after graduation, students from Wilkes Community College can expect to earn around $34,728 in their first ten years. This is a solid starting point for those entering the workforce directly after their studies. It’s also noteworthy that about 45% of students receive Pell Grants, which can help ease the financial burden of college, making it more accessible for those who qualify.

On the practical side, the net price after aid is actually a positive number at -$264, suggesting that students often find themselves in a better financial situation than expected. The median debt stands at $7,625, which is manageable for many graduates. Students who thrive here typically embrace a hands-on approach to learning and are eager to step into fields like healthcare, business, or criminal justice after completing their degrees.

How Wilkes Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation54%Earnings 10yr$35KNet Price-26400%Retention69%Median Debt$8KPell Grant Rate45%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$-1K$0-30K$-1K$30-48K$2K$48-75K$7K$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%1364.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%911.2%MOBILITY124.29%

Cost & Financial Aid

$2,572
In-State Tuition
$8,716
Out-of-State
$-264
Avg Net Price
$7,625
Median Debt
45%
Pell Grant Rate
0%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$-1,444
Family Income $0–$30K
$-992
Family Income $30K–$48K
$1,679
Family Income $48K–$75K
$6,653
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$32,842
6 Years After Entry
$33,645
8 Years
$34,728
10 Years
0.22x
Debt-to-Earnings
40%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$32,842 6yr $33,645 8yr $34,728 10yr

Social Mobility

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

124.29%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
911.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1364.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$53,200
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

0.61
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.05
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
5.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 69%
Full-Time Faculty 21%
Faculty Salary (mo) $6,310
Diversity Index 0.39
First-Gen Students 48%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 18%
Humanities 14%
Mechanic & Repair Tech 8%
Health Professions 8%
Criminal Justice 8%
Precision Production 8%
Computer Science & IT 5%
Culinary & Personal Services 5%

Quick Facts

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

Student Body

Female
58%
White
76%
Hispanic
17%
Black
3%
Asian
0%

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

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