Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 41.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.8%
- Retention Rate
- 80.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,087
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,832
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $221/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Doctoral | $91,744 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,702 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $20,832 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $51,788 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,465 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $43,622 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $39,774 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $38,072 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $36,221 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $19,687 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | Master | $32,925 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $18,707 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $15,961 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $24,325 | $18,806 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $22,667 | $23,500 |
Outcomes Overview
William Carey graduates earn a median of $43,087 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 48% with typical debt of $20,832. Monthly loan payments of $221 consume about 6% of gross income, which is manageable compared to the national average of 8-10%. The university's strong programs in nursing, education, and health sciences funnel graduates into stable career paths with predictable earning trajectories. A 96.8% employment rate reflects the practical nature of WCU's professional programs. However, the 40.8% six-year graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. For students who finish their programs, William Carey offers an average return on investment in growing healthcare and education sectors.