- 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 2,593 students (31% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,593 students
- In-state tuition: $2,444
- Out-state tuition: $8,588
- Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 22%
- 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
School Overview
The teacher population of 205 teachers has declined by 45% over five years.
Wilkes Community College
(NC) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
205 staff
129 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Wilkes Community College has declined by 11% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Wilkes Community College diversity score of 0.37 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,593 students
2,143 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
21:1
# Full-Time Students
810 students
650 students
# Part-Time Students
1,783 students
1,493 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
169 students
295 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
810 students
650 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,783 students
1,517 students
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
13%
14%
% Black
3%
22%
% White
78%
50%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Unknown races
2%
6%
Diversity Score
0.37
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
55%
37%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$25,600
$27,200
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
91%
79%
Median Debt for Graduates
$8,000
$11,865
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,846
Source: 2025 (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 is Wilkes Community College's ranking?
Wilkes Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in North Carolina for: Highest completion rates.
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