What is Wharton County Junior College Known For?
Founded in 1946, Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) has a rich history of providing quality education to its students. With its humble beginnings serving just 200 students, WCJC has grown into a renowned public, two-year, comprehensive community college.
The establishment of the Wharton County Junior College Foundation in 1954 further solidified its commitment to supporting student success. WCJC now operates four Wharton, Sugar Land, Richmond, and Bay City campuses, offering classes in El Campo.
The college serves a diverse population of students, providing a wide range of post-secondary educational programs and services. From business and healthcare to liberal arts and STEM fields, WCJC offers programs tailored to meet its student body’s diverse needs and interests. With a dedication to accessible education, WCJC continues to play a vital role in shaping the futures of its students and the community at large.
Who Owns the Wharton County Junior College?
Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) is a public community college located in Wharton County, Texas. As a public institution, it is owned and operated by the Wharton County school district and operates under the oversight of the Board of Trustees of the Wharton County Junior College District.
Is it Legit?
Wharton County Junior College holds several accreditations and approvals: institutionally, WCJC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), allowing it to award Associate Degrees. Additionally, WCJC holds state approvals from various entities, including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Veterans Commission, demonstrating compliance with state regulations and standards.
Furthermore, WCJC boasts programmatic accreditations from reputable organizations such as the American Bar Association for its Paralegal Studies program, the Automotive Service Excellence for Automotive Technology, and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs for Emergency Medical Services.
Is Wharton County Junior College Worth It?
Wharton County Junior College offers a wealth of opportunities for students, making it a worthwhile investment in education. With over 50 programs to choose from, spanning a diverse range of fields from business to the liberal arts to STEM, students have the flexibility to pursue their interests and career goals affordably.
With over 75 years of educating the local community, WCJC has established itself as a trusted institution committed to student success. Its four campuses provide accessibility and convenience for students across the region.
Additionally, WCJC offers continuing education pathways, adult learning and literacy programs, and dual credit courses that satisfy GED requirements, catering to learners of all ages and backgrounds. With the option for distance learning classes, WCJC ensures that education remains accessible to all, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
In addition to providing associate’s degrees, Wharton County Junior College goes above and beyond by offering certificates, workforce training programs, and cultural affairs to cater to diverse student interests and career paths, fostering a more involved student body.
The college’s commitment to student engagement is evident through its provision of student housing, clubs, organizations, fitness centers, and libraries, which promote social interaction and academic growth.
With two residence halls and a full-service dining hall, WCJC offers students a traditional residential college experience, allowing them to engage with classmates and friends outside the classroom. Residents can also access various academic and support services, including libraries, computer labs, advising, tutorial services, and counseling.
Furthermore, Wharton County Junior College offers a variety of clubs and honor societies, as well as donor scholarships, in addition to federal aid, ensuring that all students have opportunities for personal and academic growth. WCJC’s holistic approach to education and student support sets it apart as a superior choice for individuals seeking a well-rounded college experience.
Wharton County Junior College Acceptance Rate
Wharton County Junior College’s acceptance rate is 100%.
Wharton County Junior College Cost Per Year
Wharton County Junior College’s tuition costs approximately $2,000 per semester for in-district students and ranges from $3,000 to $3,600 for out-of-district and out-of-state students. Specific tuition is calculated based on semesterly credit hours and may vary by $100 to $200.
WCJC offers payment installment plans and accepts federal financial aid through loans and grants. The institution offers over 60 scholarships, such as the WCJC Foundation Scholarship ($4,000) and the Chevron Phillips Process Technology Scholarship ($500 to $1,000).
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
Class Schedules
The Wharton County Junior College offers flexible class scheduling options to students, including day and evening classes as well as distance learning opportunities for residential, part-time, and remote students.
School Hours
Campus staff and facilities are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Online resources are available to students 24/7.
Programs & Courses
Automotive
- Automotive Technology
Business
- Business Administration
Construction and Architecture
- Welding
Cosmetology and Barbering
- Cosmetology
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Graphic, Design, and Arts
- Art
Healthcare and Nursing
- Nursing
- Radiology
HVAC and Building Services
- HVAC
Wellness
- Physical Therapy
Campus Locations
Wharton Campus 911 Boling Highway Wharton, Texas 77488
WCJC Richmond Campus 5333 FM 1640 Richmond, TX 77469
WCJC Sugar Land Campus 14004 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479
WCJC Bay City Campus 4000 Avenue F Bay City, Texas 77414
Financial Aid Services
The school accepts federal loans, scholarships, work-study and other types of support. Financial aid staff are available year-round to answer any questions current or future attendees may have. Wharton supplies links to many websites that help those in need of aid find additional sources as well.
Student Services
Wharton provides a range of services to ensure student success. Advisors work with applicants to plan and remain on-track for their degree. These same staff members will help graduates who wish to go to a university choose the right one. Campuses offer tutoring to assist with coursework and explain concepts. The college also has an alumni association students can enroll in after graduation.
Career Services
Wharton hosts online sites with personality and skill tests to identify suitable careers for students. Each campus maintains a list of local job openings, too. Nearby companies that need qualified candidates notify the school which then makes the information accessible to job seekers.
Veteran and Military Services
Wharton honors benefits granted by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes GI Bills and other forms of military assistance. Former and current service members may be eligible for further benefits if they have a spouse or children. If the material covered is similar, veterans can also get credit for previous military training.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Wharton County Junior College (WCJC) is widely recognized for offering an affordable, high-value path to an associate degree, with knowledgeable faculty and strong transfer support, but it faces persistent and significant criticism concerning administrative disorganization and poor student-facing communication.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Exceptional Value and Affordability: WCJC is praised as a “fantastic alternative” to state colleges, allowing students to pay their way without loans. Tuition and fees for a full-time in-state student are significantly lower than the state average.
Supportive Faculty and Campus Environment: Reviewers consistently describe professors as “knowledgeable and professional.” The staff is frequently called “nice and accommodating,” with many employees showing they “actually care about the students.”
Strong Transfer and Educational Experience: The college has one of the highest transfer rates in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Many reviews highlight WCJC as a “great place to learn a trade and grow in your educational experience.”
Common Criticisms
Major Administrative and Communication Failures: This is the most frequent and severe criticism. Students report being given different answers from different departments, being “sent back and forth” from one office to another, and having classes dropped without clear communication.
Financial and Business Office Issues: Students complain about the business office adding unforeseen fees after classes were paid for and feeling the college “just wants to take your money away” without providing adequate support.
Campus-Specific and Staff Unprofessionalism: Multiple negative reviews single out the Richmond campus as being “super unprofessional and unknowledgeable,” with specific employees criticized for poor work ethic and failing to process important student documents like transcripts promptly.
Momentum
The momentum for WCJC is stable but hampered by operational friction. The college remains an excellent, high-value academic transfer vehicle in the region, supported by its committed faculty and low costs. However, the consistent and recent complaints regarding administrative disarray, particularly across its various campuses and business offices, pose a significant risk to the student experience. These logistical issues are the most immediate threat to the college’s otherwise solid reputation.