Location: Cullowhee, NC•In-State Tuition: $4,532•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,532•Admission Rate: 87%•Avg SAT: 1151
Median Earnings (1yr)Reported
$47,964
13th percentile
60th percentile in North Carolina
Sample: 69 graduates

Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release).

Earnings Distribution

How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Western Carolina University earns $48k — 13th percentile among education masters programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Western Carolina University$47,964$46,544-3%
California State University-Dominguez Hills$68,117$87,949+29%
California State University-Fresno$56,649$84,099+48%
University of Massachusetts Global$75,971$81,724+8%
University of North Carolina Wilmington$45,465$50,298+11%

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Education masters's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (7 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee$4,532$47,964$46,544——
University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington$7,317$45,465$50,298——
National Median—$56,157———

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with education graduates

Education Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to education, such as counseling, curriculum, guidance, instruction, teacher education, and teaching English as a second language. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher with instructional duties. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

Teaching Assistants, Special Education

Assist a preschool, elementary, middle, or secondary school teacher to provide academic, social, or life skills to students who have learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Serve in a position for which a teacher has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of educational programs and services.

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Education in North Carolina

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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.