Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Western Piedmont Community College
Set in the Blue Ridge foothills, Western Piedmont Community College is known for practical, transfer-ready academics and hands-on training. Courses sharpen writing, problem solving and digital skills across the liberal arts, health sciences and technical fields. Resources include a welcoming library, well-equipped labs and workshops, quiet study spots and a student success hub for advising and tutoring.
Student life feels friendly and low pressure, with clubs, service projects and intramurals that head outdoors when the weather cooperates. Morganton's downtown adds coffee, music and nearby internships, while lakes and trails make quick hikes easy after class. The college has a reputation for personal career coaching, employer ties and smooth transfer guidance. And adult learners and first-gen students tend to find folks in their corner.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) offers 36 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 565 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 155 graduates), Health (8 programs, 86 graduates), Eng. Technologies (5 programs, 68 graduates), Business (3 programs, 60 graduates) and Education (3 programs, 46 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 155 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 155 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Health (8 programs, 86 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 21 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Medical Assistant | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
| Mental and Social Health Services | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1599 |
| Dental Assisting | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.0601 |
| Medical Office Administration | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0705 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
51.1004 |
| Substance Abuse Counseling | 6 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.1501 |
| Therapeutic Recreation | 5 |
|
Associate's
|
51.2309 |
Eng. Technologies (5 programs, 68 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Technologies | 31 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0499 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 17 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0403 |
| Computer Engineering Technology | 11 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1201 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.0805 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0303 |
Business (3 programs, 60 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Finance | 38 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0304 |
| Business Administration and Management | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 4 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0204 |
Education (3 programs, 46 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | 33 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
13.1210 |
| Kindergarten and Preschool Education | 9 |
|
Other Award
|
13.1209 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
13.0401 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 40 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 30 |
|
Other Award
|
43.0107 |
| Criminal Justice and Safety Studies | 10 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0104 |
Personal Services (3 programs, 29 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12.0401 |
| Nail Technology and Manicuring | 11 |
|
Other Award
|
12.0410 |
| Hair Styling and Design | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
12.0407 |
Languages (1 programs, 15 graduates)
Foreign Languages, Literature and Linguistic Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Language Interpretation and Translation | 15 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
16.1603 |
Law (1 programs, 14 graduates)
Legal Studies, Jurisprudence and Professional Law Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant and Paralegal | 14 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
22.0302 |
Arts (2 programs, 13 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game and Interactive Media Design | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0411 |
| Craft Design and Artisanry | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0201 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC)
How much does it cost to attend Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC)?
The annual tuition at Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is $2,650 for in-state students and $8,794 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $3,850 for in-state students and $9,994 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,937 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Western Piedmont Community College offer?
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) offers 36 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (8 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (5 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Western Piedmont Community College?
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) provides financial aid to 7% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,118 and average loans of $5,662.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $8,373
- State/Local grants: $2,188
- Institutional grants: $875
The university supports 83 students with grants and 1 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Western Piedmont Community College graduates?
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) graduates earn a median salary of $29,913 after 6 years and $34,195 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $17,048 (25th percentile) to $48,630 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $50,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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