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Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Visit Website

Western Carolina University is situated in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina. The campus provides a quintessential college atmosphere amidst the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its strong sense of community, the university fosters a student body engaged in both academic pursuits and outdoor activities. Its location provides unique opportunities for experiential learning and recreation in the surrounding wilderness.

Programs Analyzed

Avg Grad Earnings

$38,095/yr

Avg DegreeOutlook Score

52/100

Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$4,532/yr

Out-of-state: $8,532/yr

Financial Aid & Net Price

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 33% of students receive Pell Grants and 44% take federal loans.

Family Income	Avg Net Price/yr	4-Year Net Cost	Net-Price ROI
$0 – $30K	$8,571	$34,284	11.1x
$30K – $48K	$10,277	$41,108	9.3x
$48K – $75K	$13,085	$52,340	7.3x
$75K – $110K	$15,140	$60,560	6.3x
$110K+	$17,958	$71,832	5.3x
Sticker price (no aid)	$4,532	$18,128	21.0x

Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.

All Programs at Western Carolina University

41 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.

Program	DW Score	Earnings	AI Risk	ROI
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Compare across schools	85	$68,774/yr	High	39.2x
Public Administration Compare across schools	77	$56,445/yr	High	32.8x
Finance and Financial Management Services Compare across schools	71	$40,575/yr	Very High	34.7x
Construction Engineering Technologies Compare across schools	69	$63,401/yr	Very High	46.0x
Accounting and Related Services Compare across schools	69	$40,607/yr	Very High	32.7x
Allied Health Diagnostic Compare across schools	68	$53,398/yr	Moderate	30.5x
Management Information Systems and Services Compare across schools	66	$47,867/yr	Very High	41.5x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	65	$41,444/yr	High	25.3x
Business Administration Compare across schools	65	$39,513/yr	High	27.1x
Electrical Compare across schools	63	$69,067/yr	Very High	37.1x
Engineering Technology, General Compare across schools	63	$59,813/yr	High	35.8x
Criminal Justice and Corrections Compare across schools	63	$38,682/yr	Moderate	28.5x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	62	$40,594/yr	High	23.8x
Computer Science Compare across schools	60	$28,892/yr	Very High	50.7x
Engineering, General Compare across schools	58	$62,244/yr	High	33.3x
Electrical Engineering Technologies Compare across schools	57	$67,003/yr	High	36.0x
Marketing Compare across schools	56	$33,197/yr	Very High	30.7x
Natural Resources Management and Policy Compare across schools	54	$36,846/yr	High	22.4x
History Compare across schools	54	$34,909/yr	High	26.8x
Parks Compare across schools	52	$30,485/yr	Moderate	22.0x
Hospitality Administration/Management Compare across schools	51	$29,395/yr	High	24.9x
Social Work Compare across schools	49	$36,727/yr	Moderate	24.5x
Chemistry Compare across schools	49	$26,513/yr	High	31.4x
Special Education and Teaching Compare across schools	48	$41,376/yr	High	22.9x
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Compare across schools	47	$37,608/yr	Moderate	23.8x
Design and Applied Arts Compare across schools	46	$32,842/yr	High	27.5x
Health and Physical Education/Fitness Compare across schools	45	$32,428/yr	Moderate	21.6x
Biology, General Compare across schools	45	$28,381/yr	High	29.5x
Romance Languages & Literatures Compare across schools	44	$36,179/yr	Very High	19.0x
Mathematics Compare across schools	44	$34,802/yr	Very High	22.8x
Music Compare across schools	43	$26,135/yr	High	26.0x
Communication and Media Studies Compare across schools	42	$28,996/yr	High	25.8x
Sociology Compare across schools	40	$23,374/yr	High	25.9x
Anthropology Compare across schools	39	$28,262/yr	High	19.8x
Psychology, General Compare across schools	39	$27,505/yr	High	21.4x
English Language and Literature, General Compare across schools	35	$29,927/yr	Very High	18.8x
Fine and Studio Arts Compare across schools	35	$24,253/yr	Moderate	18.5x
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Compare across schools	34	$24,521/yr	High	24.2x
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Compare across schools	31	$21,824/yr	Moderate	18.4x
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Compare across schools	31	$19,125/yr	High	13.0x
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Compare across schools	29	$17,970/yr	High	23.3x

Compare any program at Western Carolina University with another school. Use the comparison tool →

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →