Cullowhee, NC · Private University
Is Western Carolina University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,458
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$4,532
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,532
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$34,128
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
5.80x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
59.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,868
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$12,579
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Western Carolina University graduates earn $4,458 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Western Carolina University ranked by graduate earnings
41 graduates
21 graduates
64 graduates
19 graduates
245 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Western Carolina University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Western Carolina University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $93,802) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $28,148) is $65,654/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $93,802 | 11.0x |
| Construction Engineering Technologies | $76,573 | 9.0x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering(1yr data) | $69,067 | 8.1x |
| Engineering Technology, General | $67,301 | 7.9x |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians(1yr data) | $67,003 | 7.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $65,830 | 7.7x |
| Engineering, General(1yr data) | $62,244 | 7.3x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $60,008 | 7.0x |
| Chemistry | $58,765 | 6.9x |
| Public Administration | $58,649 | 6.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $51,846 | 6.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $51,753 | 6.1x |
| Marketing | $51,579 | 6.0x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $47,130 | 5.5x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $46,331 | 5.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $44,979 | 5.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $44,964 | 5.3x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $44,773 | 5.3x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $43,753 | 5.1x |
| Biology, General | $43,110 | 5.0x |
| History | $42,612 | 5.0x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $42,036 | 4.9x |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $41,863 | 4.9x |
| Music | $41,120 | 4.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,076 | 4.8x |
| Sociology | $40,864 | 4.8x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $40,704 | 4.8x |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics | $40,330 | 4.7x |
| Social Work | $39,978 | 4.7x |
| Natural Resources Management and Policy | $39,771 | 4.7x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $39,640 | 4.7x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,561 | 4.6x |
| Anthropology | $38,932 | 4.6x |
| Mathematics | $37,809 | 4.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $36,053 | 4.2x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $35,970 | 4.2x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management | $33,350 | 3.9x |
| Psychology, General | $32,439 | 3.8x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $32,097 | 3.8x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $30,964 | 3.6x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $28,148 | 3.3x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Western Carolina University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $49,458 10 years after starting, $4,458 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.4 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.