Business Administration, Management and Operations at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina's business graduates earn about $6,000 less than the state median for their field—ranking in the 40th percentile among North Carolina business programs. Four years out, earnings reach $45,000, which roughly matches the national median but still lags behind UNC-Chapel Hill ($86,000) and NC State ($57,000) by significant margins. The 14% earnings growth suggests steady career progression, though you're starting from a lower base than at peer schools.

The financial picture isn't alarming—debt of $23,500 represents roughly seven months of first-year earnings, which is manageable. That's actually below both state and national medians for business programs. The challenge is less about excessive debt and more about whether starting at $39,500 positions graduates competitively in North Carolina's business job market, where the typical business grad earns $43,000 right away.

For families weighing this program, the value depends heavily on net cost. If your student is paying close to full price, those flagship programs offer substantially better earnings outcomes that could justify the investment. But if Western Carolina comes at a significant discount—through in-state tuition, merit aid, or other factors—the lower debt combined with reasonable earnings makes it functional, if not exceptional. This is a middle-of-the-road business program in a state with some genuinely strong alternatives.