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Computer Science at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $28,892/yr (-61% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)

ROI 68.5x earnings multiple (36.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #306 of 345 Computer Science programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$1,317K	$1,241K	$875K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	72.6x	68.5x	48.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	38.6x	36.4x	25.6x
Probability of Field Employment	80%	73%	40%
DegreeOutlook Score	61	60	64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$18,128

Out-of-state: $34,128 (36.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$50,316

-178% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

11.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$93,802

225% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,892 per year, Computer Science graduates from Western Carolina University earn below the $73,713 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 68.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Science programs nationally.

The 34% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 72% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Science graduates.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $28,892 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #306 of 345 Computer Science programs, Western Carolina University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $93,802 show a 225% jump from the $28,892 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Western Carolina University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Western Carolina University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 9,867 students in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr

Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr

Database architects $135,980/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Carolina University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Science at Western Carolina University?

This program scores 60/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Computer Science programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.

Will AI replace Computer Science careers?

With 72% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $874,996 in decade earnings vs $1,316,617 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Computer Science from Western Carolina University?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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