Warren Wilson College
Warren Wilson College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Warren Wilson College Worth It?
At a value score of 18/100, Warren Wilson College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $36,260 — 33% below average — while paying $21,249/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.3-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 42% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 69% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Warren Wilson College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Warren Wilson College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NC
Ranked #24 of 49 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #4 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #5 | Mary Baldwin University | 37 | $12,756 | $44,427 |
| #6 | Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies | 37 | $10,566 | $40,694 |
| #24 | Warren Wilson College | 18 | $21,249 | $36,260 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Warren Wilson College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in NC.
Best Programs at Warren Wilson College
The highest-earning program at Warren Wilson College is Natural Resources Conservation and Research at $18,300/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduate from Warren Wilson College earns $18,300, while a Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduate earns $18,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates carry $19,111 in median debt vs. $19,111 for Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,249/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $18,300 | $18,300 | $19,111 |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Swannanoa, NC
- Student Body
- 707 students
- Admission Rate
- 71%
- Graduation Rate
- 42%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,249
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $36,260
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000