Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.1%
- Retention Rate
- 75.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,458
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,868
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.5%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $232/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $103,913 | $36,847 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,343 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,324 | $69,085 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $64,990 | $22,818 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $62,012 | $31,000 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $26,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $17,500 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,512 | $22,410 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,286 | $28,117 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $54,996 | $25,250 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $53,775 | $27,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $52,733 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,107 | $16,418 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Carolina graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $21,868, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 44% based on their $49,458 median income after ten years. Monthly loan payments of $232 represent just 5.6% of typical graduate earnings, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's strong programs in education and health sciences feed into stable career paths with steady employment growth. Nearly 96% of graduates find employment, reflecting the practical focus of WCU's programs. Alumni like country star Eric Church and NFL coach Matt Rhule demonstrate the diverse possibilities, though most graduates build solid middle-class careers in North Carolina's growing economy. This represents a strong return on investment for an affordable mountain university.