Nursing at Wilkes Community College

Wilkesboro, NC · Public · Associate Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

with a smaller student body of 1,881 in Wilkesboro, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $62,962/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 132.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Wilkes Community College ranks #197 among 947 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

For students considering alternatives, 4 registered apprenticeship programs align with Nursing careers — offering paid training instead of tuition costs.

87 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
81
Low End
87
Score
87
High End
Earnings $62,962/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Year 1 Earnings
$63K
Reported median after graduation
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
132.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience
Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,144
Out-of-state: $17,432
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,820
Small cohort — data may not reflect typical outcomes

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Nursing graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Nurse anesthetists $223,210 +8.6% 83%
Nurse practitioners $129,210 +40.1% 52%
Nurse midwives $128,790 +11.1% 61%
Nurse anesthetists
$223,210
+8.6% growth 83% AI-proof
Nurse practitioners
$129,210
+40.1% growth 52% AI-proof
Nurse midwives
$128,790
+11.1% growth 61% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Nursing Career Guide

What can you do with a Nursing credential from Wilkes Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Wilkes Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 87/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Wilkes Community College?
This program scores 87/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Nursing nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
What's the AI risk for Nursing graduates from Wilkes Community College?
AI won't eliminate Nursing careers, but it may reshape them. At Wilkes Community College, a score of 87/100 already accounts for the 39% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Is Wilkes Community College one of the best schools for Nursing?
Ranked #197 of 947 programs nationally, Wilkes Community College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Nursing program at Wilkes Community College?
There are 4 registered apprenticeships connected to Nursing occupations, such as Home Health Director and Long Term Care Nurse Management. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Is there demand for Nursing workers?
At 292,500 annual openings, Nursing has a very large employment base. Wilkes Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given an aging population and expanding healthcare access.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →