Teacher Educationat Western Carolina University
Graduates earn $40,594/yr in their first year — about 2.0% below the national Teacher Education average. Base-case 10-year earnings $467K; scenarios range from $453K to $465K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University's Teacher Education program produces graduates earning $40,594/yr — within striking distance of the $41,412 national average for this field.
With a 25.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Teacher Education career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At $23,900 against $40,594/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
Western Carolina University ranks #106 among 679 Teacher Education programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The limited growth from $40,594 to $44,949 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Western Carolina University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Teacher Education
How Western Carolina University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Western Carolina University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Western Carolina University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Teacher Education offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Teacher Education trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Teacher Education at Western Carolina University
What does a 62/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Teacher Education at Western Carolina University?
At 62/100, Western Carolina University's Teacher Education program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Teacher Education at Western Carolina University?
The 30% 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 one of the best schools for Teacher Education?
Among 679 Teacher Education programs, Western Carolina University's #106 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.