Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
Wilmington, NC 28405 — Private For-Profit
Value Score: 40/100
Graduation Rate: 6.3%
Median Earnings (10yr): $31,102 | Median Debt: $15,917
Student Body Size: 46 (small)
Pell Grant Recipients: 77.6% | Federal Loan Rate: 72.1%
Average Faculty Salary: $4,300/month
Graduate Outcomes & Return on Investment
6.3% of students at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington complete their degree, 90% below the national average. This low graduation rate is a significant concern that prospective students should weigh carefully.
Graduates of Miller-Motte College-Wilmington earn a median salary of $31,102 ten years after enrollment, 24% below the national average.
The median student debt at graduation is $15,917, 26% below the national average. On a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5.5% interest, this translates to approximately $173/month, with a total repayment of $20,760 (including $4,843 in interest).
Debt-to-Earnings Ratio: 0.51x. This is a healthy ratio, suggesting debt is manageable for most graduates.
Financial Aid Profile
77.6% of students at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid for families earning under ~$60,000), 135% above the national average. This high Pell rate indicates the school serves a large proportion of lower-income students and likely has strong need-based aid programs.
72.1% of students take federal loans, 53% above the national average. This high borrowing rate means most students need loans to attend. Factor loan payments into your decision carefully.
Average faculty salary: $4,300/month, 51% below the national average. Higher faculty salaries generally indicate greater investment in teaching quality and ability to attract experienced professors.
Student Body & Campus Diversity
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington enrolls 46 undergraduate students. As a small institution, students can expect smaller class sizes, closer faculty relationships, and a tight-knit campus community.
Diversity Index: 51/100 (higher = more diverse). The campus has moderate diversity.
Student body composition: White 20%, Hispanic 4%, Black 67%, Asian 2%.
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington: Limited Academic Programs with High Debt and Low Graduation Rates
- Miller-Motte Wilmington: A Risky Bet for Career Launch?
- Wilmington Grads: Where Do Miller-Motte Alumni Land?
- Is Miller-Motte Wilmington's Small Size a Big Advantage for Your Career?
Report Card: Overall Grade D
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington receives an overall grade of D based on six dimensions:
- Academics: D
- Outcomes: D
College Analysis
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington is a Private For-Profit institution in Wilmington, NC with approximately 46 students. Academics: Limited program offerings with a focus on vocational training. Value: High median debt and low graduation rate, indicating potential financial strain and poor academic outcomes. Outcomes: Low graduation rate and median earnings, suggesting limited long-term career prospects.
The Verdict: Is Miller-Motte College-Wilmington Worth It?
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington's value proposition is complex and warrants careful consideration. With a median debt of $15,917 and a median 10-year earning of $31,102, the financial return on investment appears challenging. The earnings are significantly lower than the national average for college graduates, and the debt burden, while not exceptionally high in absolute terms, represents a substantial portion of the median annual income. This suggests a debt-to-income ratio that could lead to financial strain. The graduation rate of 6.3% is alarmingly low, raising concerns about program completion and student success. Without specific tuition figures, a precise cost-benefit analysis is difficult, but the low median earnings suggest that the cost of attendance, even if moderate, may not be justified by the post-graduation income potential. The ROI score is not provided, but based on the available data, it is unlikely to be favorable. Therefore, Miller-Motte College-Wilmington is likely overpriced for the career outcomes it typically delivers. Prospective students should exhaust all other educational avenues, including community colleges and public universities, before considering this institution. A direct recommendation is to seek more affordable and demonstrably higher-returning educational options.
Return on Investment
Given the high median debt and low graduation and earnings rates, the degree may not be worth the cost for many students.
Debt Reality Check
Median student debt at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington: $15,917. Monthly payment on a standard 10-year plan: $181/month. Total repaid: $21,720 ($5,803 in interest).
Breakeven vs high school diploma: 14.4 years. Debt burden: Manageable. Salary needed for comfortable repayment: $21,720.
Strengths
- Strong focus on vocational training.
- Convenient location in Wilmington, NC.
Weaknesses
- High median debt and low graduation rate.
- Limited academic program offerings.
Academic Profile
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington specializes in career-focused programs designed for direct entry into the workforce. Key areas of strength often include allied health professions, such as Medical Assisting and Dental Assisting, as well as skilled trades like Automotive Technology and HVAC. These programs are typically structured with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and practical application, ensuring graduates are job-ready upon completion. Faculty members are generally drawn from industry professionals, bringing real-world experience and current best practices into the classroom. While specific research opportunities might be limited due to the program structure, the focus is on applied learning and skill mastery. Academic support resources are crucial for student success, and Miller-Motte typically offers tutoring, career services, and academic advising to help students navigate their coursework and prepare for licensure exams or certifications relevant to their chosen field. The curriculum is designed for efficiency, allowing students to complete their programs and enter the job market relatively quickly. Program details, such as specific course sequences and required competencies, are readily available through the admissions and academic departments.
Financial Aid Guide for Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
Pell Grant recipients: 77.6%. Students taking federal loans: 72.1%.
Navigating financial aid at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington requires a clear understanding of its private, for-profit status. The primary source of financial assistance will be federal student aid, including Pell Grants for eligible students with demonstrated financial need and federal student loans (Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized). Given the median debt of $15,917, it's evident that many students rely on loans to finance their education. Merit-based aid, in the traditional sense of scholarships awarded for academic achievement, is less common at institutions focused on vocational training. Instead, the focus is on making programs accessible through federal aid. Work-study opportunities may be available, providing part-time employment to help cover living expenses, though these are often limited. For students from lower-income backgrounds, Pell Grants can cover a significant portion of tuition and fees, potentially reducing the need for loans. For middle-income families, a combination of federal loans and potentially institutional payment plans will likely be necessary. It's crucial for prospective students to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to determine their eligibility for all federal programs. While negotiating aid packages is generally less common at for-profit institutions compared to private non-profits, understanding the total cost of attendance and the maximum federal aid available is key. Students should inquire about any institutional scholarships or grants that might be available, though these are often tied to specific programs or enrollment initiatives.
Hidden Costs at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
- Textbooks and program-specific supplies can range from $500 to $1,500 per academic year, depending on the program of study.
- Uniforms or specialized work attire required for programs like Medical Assisting or Dental Assisting can cost between $100 and $300.
- Licensure or certification exam fees, essential for many career paths, may add $200 to $500 per exam.
- Transportation costs to and from campus, especially for commuting students, can amount to $50 to $200 per month depending on distance and vehicle expenses.
- Technology fees or the cost of required software and hardware for online components or specific coursework can be around $100 to $300 annually.
- Background checks and drug screenings, often required for clinical rotations or internships in healthcare programs, can cost $50 to $150.
- Student activity or technology fees, though not always substantial, can add $50 to $100 per term.
Alumni Outcomes & Career Paths
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington, a private for-profit institution with a small student body of 46, presents a unique challenge in providing detailed alumni outcome data. Due to its size and for-profit nature, comprehensive public data on major employers, graduate school placement rates, and notable alumni is scarce. However, based on the typical career paths for graduates of similar vocational and technical institutions, alumni often find employment in entry-level to mid-level roles within specific trades and healthcare support sectors. Industries that commonly hire graduates include healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes), automotive repair shops, and various service industries. Specific employers in the Wilmington area that might recruit from such programs include Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, GE Aviation, and local automotive dealerships like Coastal Kia and Parkway Ford. Internship pipelines are crucial for these programs, often facilitated through partnerships with local businesses. While specific graduate school placement rates are not readily available, the focus of Miller-Motte programs is typically on direct entry into the workforce rather than advanced academic pursuits. Geographic hiring patterns tend to be localized to the Wilmington region and surrounding areas in North Carolina, given the vocational nature of the training. The career services quality is a critical factor for for-profit institutions; prospective students should inquire directly about their placement assistance services, resume workshops, and employer networking events.
Campus Life & Culture at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
The student body at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington is typically composed of motivated individuals seeking to acquire specific vocational skills for career advancement or entry. Students often come from the surrounding Wilmington area and North Carolina, drawn by the practical, short-term nature of the programs. The ideal student is driven, goal-oriented, and ready to engage in focused, hands-on learning to achieve their professional aspirations.
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington offers a focused, career-oriented educational experience, which shapes its campus culture. As a smaller institution with a significant portion of its student body likely commuting, the social scene tends to be less about sprawling campus events and more about building connections within specific programs and through shared academic goals. The campus itself is situated in Wilmington, NC, a vibrant coastal city that offers students ample opportunities for off-campus engagement. While dedicated on-campus housing is not a primary feature, many students find affordable housing options in the surrounding neighborhoods, often sharing apartments or houses to manage costs. Dining is typically handled off-campus or through personal preparation, aligning with the practical, career-focused nature of the programs. Student organizations are likely to be program-specific, fostering peer-to-peer learning and networking within fields like healthcare and skilled trades. Given the school's size and vocational focus, traditional Greek life and large-scale athletics are not central to the student experience. Instead, the 'vibe' is one of driven individuals seeking to acquire specific skills for immediate career entry. The emphasis is on practical training and professional development, with the Wilmington community serving as an extended campus for social and recreational activities.
Campus Highlights
- Career-focused programs designed for rapid job placement.
- Hands-on training with industry-standard equipment.
- Faculty comprised of experienced industry professionals.
- Located in the vibrant coastal city of Wilmington, NC, offering off-campus life and opportunities.
- Emphasis on practical skills and immediate employability.
- Support services geared towards career development and licensure preparation.
Location & Regional Advantages
Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a dynamic environment for career development, particularly for graduates of vocational and technical programs. The city boasts a growing economy with a strong presence in healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism. Proximity to major industries is a significant advantage. For instance, the healthcare sector is robust, with institutions like Novant Health and New Hanover Regional Medical Center serving as major employers. The manufacturing sector, including companies like GE Aviation, provides opportunities for skilled trades. The coastal location also supports a thriving tourism and hospitality industry. Wilmington's quality of life is generally high, characterized by a pleasant climate with mild winters and warm summers, beautiful beaches, and a historic downtown area, contributing to a desirable living environment. While the cost of living in Wilmington is generally moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas, it has been steadily increasing. Safety is a concern in any urban area, and prospective students should research specific neighborhoods. The geographic advantage for Miller-Motte graduates lies in the local demand for skilled technicians and healthcare support staff, making it feasible to secure employment within the Wilmington area without extensive relocation. This localized job market can be particularly beneficial for students who wish to remain close to family or established community ties.
How to Get Into Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington's admissions process is generally designed to be accessible for individuals seeking career-focused education. As a for-profit institution, the emphasis is less on highly competitive academic metrics like GPA and test scores, and more on an applicant's motivation and suitability for a specific vocational program. While specific GPA or test score ranges are not typically published or heavily weighted, a strong high school diploma or GED is usually a prerequisite. Admissions counselors will likely focus on understanding your career aspirations and ensuring you are a good fit for the program you're interested in, such as Medical Assisting or Automotive Technology. Essays are often less about personal narrative and more about explaining your career goals and why you've chosen Miller-Motte. Demonstrated interest is important; actively engaging with admissions counselors, attending information sessions, and visiting the campus (if possible) can positively influence your application. There are no Early Decision or Early Action advantages, as the process is typically rolling admissions. The timeline recommendation is to apply at least 60-90 days before your desired program start date to allow ample time for financial aid processing and enrollment steps. Focus on conveying your commitment to completing your chosen program and entering the workforce.
How Miller-Motte College-Wilmington Compares to Similar Schools
Similar schools: Cape Fear Community College, Coastal Carolina Community College, Pitt Community College
Advantages
- Potentially more specialized, career-focused programs tailored to immediate job market needs.
- Smaller class sizes due to the very low student enrollment, which could allow for more personalized attention.
Disadvantages
- Significantly lower graduation rates compared to public community colleges.
- Higher median debt relative to median earnings, indicating a potentially poorer return on investment.
- Limited public data on alumni outcomes and employer perception compared to established public institutions.
Best For
- Students seeking a broad liberal arts education or non-vocational degrees.
- Prospective students with limited financial resources or those who do not require vocational training.
- Individuals looking for a quick entry into the workforce without a strong academic foundation.
Avoid If
- Students prioritizing academic depth and breadth over vocational training.
- Individuals seeking higher earning potential and better long-term career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Miller-Motte College-Wilmington
How much does it cost to attend Miller-Motte College-Wilmington?
In-state tuition at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington is N/A per year, and out-of-state tuition is N/A per year. The median student debt at graduation is $15,917.
What is the graduation rate at Miller-Motte College-Wilmington?
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington has a graduation rate of 6.3%.
How much do Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates earn?
The median earnings for Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates 10 years after enrollment is $31,102. With median debt of $15,917, graduates earn roughly 2.0x their debt level annually.
How big is Miller-Motte College-Wilmington?
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington has approximately 46 students and is classified as a small institution. It is located in Wilmington, NC and is a Private For-Profit institution.
Where is Miller-Motte College-Wilmington located?
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington is located in Wilmington, NC. It is a Private For-Profit institution with approximately 46 students.
How much student debt do Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates have?
The median student debt for Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates is $15,917. With median earnings of $31,102 ten years after enrollment, graduates can expect a debt-to-income ratio of 51%.
Is Miller-Motte College-Wilmington a good college?
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington has a graduation rate of 6.3% and median post-graduation earnings of $31,102. High median debt of $15,917 per student.
How does Miller-Motte College-Wilmington compare to similar colleges?
Low graduation rate of 6.29%. Compared to peer institutions, Miller-Motte College-Wilmington has a higher median debt and lower graduation and earnings rates, making it less favorable in terms of value.
What career prospects do Miller-Motte College-Wilmington graduates have?
Graduates may face limited career opportunities and higher debt burdens, suggesting caution in choosing this institution.
What should prospective students know about Miller-Motte College-Wilmington?
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington operates in a competitive market for for-profit, vocational education, where many similar institutions offer better outcomes and lower costs.
What makes Miller-Motte College-Wilmington stand out?
Median earnings 10 years after graduation are $31,102.
What are the pros and cons of attending Miller-Motte College-Wilmington?
Primarily serves a predominantly Black student population.
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Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.