Public Administration at Western Carolina University
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Carolina University graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 28th percentile of all public administration 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
Public Administration masters's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (12 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | $52,126 | $57,198 | — | — |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $66,534 | $70,134 | — | — |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | $59,111 | $59,684 | — | — |
| North Carolina Central University | $51,559 | $57,018 | — | — |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $51,393 | — | — | — |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | $50,764 | $53,837 | — | — |
| National Median | $58,582 | — | — | — |
Other Public Administration Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $8,989 | $66,534 | — |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte | $7,214 | $59,111 | — |
| North Carolina Central University Durham | $6,542 | $51,559 | — |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $8,895 | $51,393 | — |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington | $7,317 | $50,764 | — |
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.