Hospitality Administration/Management at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina's hospitality program starts graduates at $29,395—well below both the national median ($34,675) and the state median ($33,374) for this field. While it ranks at the 40th percentile within North Carolina, that's less reassuring when you consider that even the state's top program (Campbell at $44,464) pays only 51% more than WCU's starting salary. The debt load of $26,000 matches the state median but sits relatively low nationally, which helps but doesn't solve the fundamental earning challenge. The 0.88 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe nearly a full year's salary right out of the gate.

The silver lining is notable earnings growth: the jump from $29,395 to $42,036 over four years represents a 43% increase, suggesting many graduates eventually move into management roles with better compensation. However, that four-year mark still lags behind what some peers earn immediately. Given that WCU serves a substantial population of first-generation students (33% receive Pell grants), starting this far behind can make those early years financially stressful.

If your child is committed to hospitality management and WCU is their in-state option, the manageable debt and strong earnings trajectory offer a path forward—just expect lean early years. If they're considering private alternatives or out-of-state tuition, the numbers argue for looking at Campbell or East Carolina instead.