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Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,970/yr (-47% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Medium (10,200 openings/yr)
ROI 29.8x earnings multiple (15.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #25 of 37 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $548K $541K $496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 30.2x 29.8x 27.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 16.0x 15.9x 14.5x
Probability of Field Employment 51% 45% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 27

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 (15.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,952
16.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,962
145% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,970 place Western Carolina University below the $34,209 national median for Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 29.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #25 ranking among 37 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services programs places Western Carolina University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $17,970-to-$43,962 earnings arc over five years reflects a 145% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 9,867 students in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →

Top Career Paths

Dietitians and nutritionists $73,850/yr
Dietetic technicians $37,040/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 37 schools offering Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services →

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Other Schools

Purdue University-Main Campus ($52,631) Ohio State University-Main Campus ($52,247) Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale ($49,771) North Dakota State University-Main Campus ($49,443) The University of Texas at San Antonio ($49,205) University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ($48,483) D'Youville University ($47,888) University of Akron Main Campus ($47,242)

Other Majors at Western Carolina University

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($69,067) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($68,774) Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($67,003) Construction Engineering Technologies ($63,401) Engineering, General ($62,244) Engineering Technology, General ($59,813) Public Administration ($56,445) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($53,398)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Western Carolina University?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services degree from Western Carolina University?
At $23,952 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services at Western Carolina University?
The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Western Carolina University a good choice for Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Western Carolina University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →