Social Work at Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
61
Pessimistic
Earnings
$36,727/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (24% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (116,900 openings/yr)
ROI
26.8x earnings multiple (14.2x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Social Work graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $485K | $485K | $467K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 26.8x | 26.8x | 25.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 14.2x | 14.2x | 13.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 70% | 69% | 58% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 61 |
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 (14.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,818
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,183
26% growth from Year 1
About Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →Top Career Paths
Social and community service managers
$78,240/yr
Social work teachers, postsecondary
$76,210/yr
Social workers, all other
$69,480/yr
Compare & Explore
Social Work at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Carolina University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Western Carolina University's Social Work program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Social Work. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Western Carolina University rank so high for Social Work?
The #74 ranking out of 338 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →