Program Analysis
Graduates earn $30,485/yr, roughly in line with the $33,642 national median for Parks. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 26.1x 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 — 34% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $21,415 debt-to-$30,485 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #14 out of 45 programs, Western Carolina University's Parks offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $30,485 to $41,615 shows 37% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.