Location: Cullowhee, NC•In-State Tuition: $4,532•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,532•Admission Rate: 87%•Avg SAT: 1151
Median Earnings (1yr)
$67,003
42nd percentile
Median Debt
$23,154
16% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.35 ManageableSample: 19 graduates Limited data

Analysis

Western Carolina's engineering technology graduates start at $67,003—placing them squarely at the national median but ahead of 60% of North Carolina programs. That state comparison matters more than the national one: with only four schools in NC offering this bachelor's degree, this program holds its own against UNC Charlotte (which matches at $66,421) while significantly outpacing NC A&T's $47,422. The debt burden of $23,154 is reasonable, creating a 0.35 ratio that means graduates earn roughly three times what they owe in their first year.

The concerning piece here is the debt percentile—86th nationally means this program carries more debt than most peers, despite the absolute number seeming manageable. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in the sample, these figures could swing considerably year to year. A few outliers in either direction can dramatically shift the numbers.

For North Carolina families, this program offers solid regional positioning at a highly accessible institution (87% admission rate). The first-year earnings support the debt load comfortably, and graduates enter the workforce with practical skills that translate directly to employment. Just understand you're making this decision on limited data—ask the department about job placement rates and whether recent cohorts have maintained similar outcomes.

Where Western Carolina University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally

Western Carolina UniversityOther electrical engineering technologies/technicians programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Western Carolina University earns $67k — 42th percentile among electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee$4,532$67,003—$23,1540.35
University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte$7,214$66,421—$25,4990.38
North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro$6,748$47,422$73,273$36,2390.76
National Median—$67,395—$27,5580.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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.

Sample Size: Based on 19 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.