Nursing at Western Piedmont Community College

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

a smaller institution with 1,332 students in Morganton, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $66,888/yr, roughly in line with the $69,474 national median for Nursing. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 145.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Western Piedmont Community College ranks #154 among 947 Nursing programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $66,888 to $75,958 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

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

88 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
82
Low End
88
Score
88
High End
Earnings $66,888/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (61% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$775K
3.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
146.2x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$5,300
Out-of-state: $17,588
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$75,958
14% growth from Year 1

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

See the full career breakdown for Nursing — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Western Piedmont Community College and 946 other schools.

Read the full Nursing career guide →

Compare & Explore

Nursing Overview

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Piedmont 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Nursing at Western Piedmont Community College?
A score of 88/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Western Piedmont Community College's Nursing graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Will AI affect Nursing careers?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — Western Piedmont Community College graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Western Piedmont Community College one of the best schools for Nursing?
Among 947 Nursing programs, Western Piedmont Community College's #154 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Can I learn Nursing through an apprenticeship instead of Western Piedmont 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.
What's the job market like for Nursing from Western Piedmont Community College?
The very large job market (292,500 annual openings) works in favor of Nursing graduates. The national outlook is driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare access, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →