Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $27,382/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-6,618/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiropractic. | Doctoral | $49,752 | $201,184 |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $47,260 | $39,394 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $25,372 |
Analysis
University of Western States presents a financially challenging picture with median earnings of just $27,382 ten years after graduation, well below the national average for college graduates.
The chiropractic program offers the strongest earning potential at nearly $50,000 annually, but you'll carry over $200,000 in debt to get there. This creates a difficult debt-to-income ratio that will strain your finances for years. The dietetics program provides better balance with $47,260 in earnings against $39,394 in debt, making it the school's most viable financial option.
Your biggest financial risk here is the mismatch between high tuition costs and low post-graduation earnings across most programs. The somatic bodywork program exemplifies this problem, leaving you with limited earning power relative to educational investment.
This school makes financial sense only if you're committed to healthcare careers and can secure substantial external funding. The chiropractic program might work if you plan to establish your own practice in a high-demand market, but the debt load remains daunting.
You should look elsewhere if you need strong financial returns from your degree investment or lack clear career direction in healthcare fields. The earning outcomes simply don't justify the costs for most students.
The school reports zero percent of students receiving financial aid, which signals either extremely limited aid availability or data reporting issues. This makes affordability planning particularly difficult and increases your financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Western States worth the cost for chiropractic school?
The chiropractic program at University of Western States produces graduates earning around $49,752 annually after 10 years, which is modest for a doctoral program requiring significant student loans. Consider the debt-to-income ratio carefully before enrolling.
What is the return on investment for University of Western States graduates?
University of Western States graduates earn an average of $27,382 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. Only the chiropractic and dietetics programs show earnings above $45,000.
Are University of Western States programs worth the student debt?
Most University of Western States programs lead to relatively low earnings compared to typical graduate school debt loads. The somatic bodywork program shows particularly concerning ROI with graduates earning just $25,372 annually.
Which University of Western States degree programs have the best job prospects?
Chiropractic and dietetics programs at University of Western States offer the strongest earning potential at around $49,000-$47,000 annually. Other programs generally lead to lower-paying careers that may not justify the cost of attendance.