- Wharton County Junior College is a public, two-year, comprehensive community college offering a wide range of postsecondary educational programs and services including associate degrees, certificates, continuing-education courses, cultural affairs, and leisure-time activities for the benefit of the community and a population of students that varies in age, background, and ability.
School Highlights
Wharton County Junior College serves 7,344 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 72% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 7,344 students
- In-state tuition: $3,446
- Out-state tuition: $4,214
- Student:teacher ratio: 16:1
- Minority enrollment: 72%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Wharton County Junior College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 447 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Wharton County Junior College
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
447 staff
262 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Wharton County Junior College has grown by 6% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Wharton County Junior College diversity score of 0.70 is equal to the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
7,344 students
4,931 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
23:1

# Full-Time Students
2,896 students
909 students

# Part-Time Students
4,448 students
4,022 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
734 students
403 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,896 students
890 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
40 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
4,448 students
4,166 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
47 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
127 students
252 students

% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a

% Asian
14%
6%

% Hispanic
43%
46%

% Black
12%
13%

% White
28%
26%

% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a

% Two or more races
1%
3%

% Non Resident races
n/a
2%

% Unknown races
1%
4%


Diversity Score
0.70
0.70

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.1602%
0.5469%

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3357%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,700
$34,600

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,446 is less than the state average of $3,764. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,214 is less than the state average of $6,054. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,446
$3,764

Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,214
$6,054

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
63%
84%

Median Debt for Graduates
$7,921
$10,765

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500

Acceptance Rate
n/a
84%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- WCJC is a multi-campus, comprehensive community college created in 1946 to serve the educational needs of Wharton County and adjacent counties in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas. The college offers associate in arts, associate of arts in teaching, and associate in applied science degrees, transfer curricula in preparation for the baccalaureate degree, career/vocational curricula, remedial and developmental courses, adult basic education, assist under prepared students to achieve competency in basic skills, supports excellence in instruction in all academic areas and continuing-education noncredit courses and programs. Wharton County Junior College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Applied Science degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Wharton County Junior College cost?
Wharton County Junior College's tuition is approximately $3,446 for In-State students and $4,214 for Out-State students.
What is Wharton County Junior College's ranking?
Wharton County Junior College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Diversity in US community colleges and Least debt for graduating students.
Recent Articles

Is Contraception the Answer for College Completion Rates?
This article discusses the "Make it Personal: College Completion" campaign launched by the American Association of Community Colleges. The initiative aims to reduce unplanned pregnancies among community college students to improve completion rates. It explores the campaign's approaches, including curriculum integration and student services, and presents statistics on the impact of unplanned pregnancies on college success.

How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career.

Careers: Customs Broker/Freight Forwarder/Logistics
Explore the dynamic world of customs brokerage and freight forwarding, where precision meets strategy in global logistics. This article delves into the critical role of customs brokers and freight forwarders, who navigate complex regulations and ensure the smooth transit of goods across international borders. Discover the skills and expertise required to excel in this field, from understanding tariff codes to managing documentation and customs clearance. Learn about the impact of these professionals on supply chain efficiency and the opportunities available in this growing industry.