Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Western Carolina University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Carolina University graduates earn $54k, placing them in the 19th percentile of all communication disorders sciences and services masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | $53,673 | $53,202 | — | — |
| East Carolina University | $60,570 | $53,154 | — | — |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $57,741 | $65,103 | — | — |
| North Carolina Central University | $57,400 | $49,632 | — | — |
| Appalachian State University | $55,086 | $56,268 | — | — |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro | $54,267 | $55,567 | — | — |
| National Median | $59,150 | — | — | — |
Other Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University Greenville | $7,361 | $60,570 | — |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $8,989 | $57,741 | — |
| North Carolina Central University Durham | $6,542 | $57,400 | — |
| Appalachian State University Boone | $7,541 | $55,086 | — |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro | $7,593 | $54,267 | — |
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.