Engineering, General at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
58 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
59
Optimistic
58
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,244/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Medium (27,900 openings/yr)
ROI 34.8x earnings multiple (18.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #21 of 47 Engineering, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Engineering, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $644K $631K $572K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 35.5x 34.8x 31.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 18.9x 18.5x 16.8x
Probability of Field Employment 69% 63% 47%
DegreeOutlook Score 59 58 57

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 (18.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,550
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $62,244/yr, Engineering, General graduates from Western Carolina University land near the $69,222 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 34.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 46% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The median debt load of $25,550 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #21 out of 47 programs, Western Carolina University's Engineering, General offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Engineering, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Carolina University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does Western Carolina University's Engineering, General program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Engineering, General graduates.
How vulnerable is Engineering, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Engineering, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →