- As a public, two-year, "open door" institution, Wilkes Community College is committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. As a member of the North Carolina Community College System, the college seeks to enhance intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development through a variety of means, by providing quality education, training and retraining for the workforce, including basic skills education, occupational, technical, and pre-baccalaureate programs; support for economic development through services to business and industry, both public and private; and a variety of services and cultural activities that improve the quality of life.
School Highlights
Wilkes Community College serves 3,028 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 48%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 3,028 students
- In-state tuition: $2,444
- Out-state tuition: $8,588
- Student:teacher ratio: 8:1
- Minority enrollment: 20%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Wilkes Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Completion Rates
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 376 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Wilkes Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
376 staff
256 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Wilkes Community College has grown by 12% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 has increased from 6:1 over five years.
The Wilkes Community College diversity score of 0.35 is less than the state average of 0.66. The school's diversity has declined by 16% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,028 students
2,579 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
1,008 students
766 students
# Part-Time Students
2,020 students
1,813 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
302 students
316 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,008 students
766 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
22 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,020 students
1,990 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
3 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
717 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
11%
13%
% Black
3%
21%
% White
80%
52%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
2%
5%
Diversity Score
0.35
0.66
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
55%
37%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$25,600
$27,500
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,444 is less than the state average of $3,915. The in-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,588 is less than the state average of $9,508. The out-state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,444
$3,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,588
$9,508
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
71%
82%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,000
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,846
Acceptance Rate
n/a
82%
SAT Reading
n/a
488
SAT Math
n/a
498
ACT Composite
n/a
20
ACT English
n/a
13
ACT Math
n/a
16
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Wilkes Community College cost?
Wilkes Community College's tuition is approximately $2,444 for In-State students and $8,588 for Out-State students.
What schools are Wilkes Community College often compared to?
Wilkes Community Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Surry Community College by visitors of our site.
What is Wilkes Community College's ranking?
Wilkes Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Highest completion rates and Least debt for graduating students.
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