Earnings Distribution
How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | $53,673 | $53,202 | -1% |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $57,741 | $65,103 | +13% |
| Appalachian State University | $55,086 | $56,268 | +2% |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $54,267 | $55,567 | +2% |
| East Carolina University | $60,570 | $53,154 | -12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services masters's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee | $4,532 | $53,673 | $53,202 | — | — |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $60,570 | $53,154 | — | — |
 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill | $8,989 | $57,741 | $65,103 | — | — |
 North Carolina Central UniversityDurham | $6,542 | $57,400 | $49,632 | — | — |
 Appalachian State UniversityBoone | $7,541 | $55,086 | $56,268 | — | — |
 University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro | $7,593 | $54,267 | $55,567 | — | — |
| National Median | — | $59,150 | — | — | — |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with communication disorders sciences and services graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Carolina University, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.