Analysis
Western Carolina's rehab and therapeutic professions program outperforms most competitors in North Carolina—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—while keeping debt manageable at $24,000. That's $1,000 below the state median and $2,250 below the national average. Starting earnings of $37,608 sit comfortably above both state ($34,990) and national ($35,966) benchmarks, putting graduates ahead of peers at programs like ECU and Winston-Salem State from day one.
The 19% earnings growth over four years shows clear career progression, with graduates reaching nearly $45,000 by year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 means students carry about 7.7 months of their first year's salary in debt—reasonable for a field that typically requires graduate education for the highest-paying roles. For students planning to pursue additional credentials, this program provides a solid foundation without the debt burden that could complicate future borrowing.
This is a straightforward value proposition for North Carolina families: above-average outcomes at below-average debt levels. The program won't catapult graduates into the top earnings tier immediately, but it positions them well for the specialized certifications and advanced degrees that unlock higher pay in rehabilitation fields.
Where Western Carolina University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all rehabilitation and therapeutic professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Western Carolina University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | $37,608 | $44,773 | +19% |
| CUNY York College | $57,806 | $79,325 | +37% |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington | $39,366 | $43,080 | +9% |
| East Carolina University | $32,371 | $40,169 | +24% |
| Winston-Salem State University | $31,421 | $33,674 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee | $4,532 | $37,608 | $44,773 | $24,000 | 0.64 |
 University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington | $7,317 | $39,366 | $43,080 | $21,500 | 0.55 |
 East Carolina UniversityGreenville | $7,361 | $32,371 | $40,169 | $26,000 | 0.80 |
 Winston-Salem State UniversityWinston-Salem | $6,735 | $31,421 | $33,674 | $28,000 | 0.89 |
| National Median | — | $35,966 | — | $26,250 | 0.73 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with rehabilitation and therapeutic professions graduates
Physical Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Low Vision Therapists, Orientation and Mobility Specialists, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapists
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Recreational Therapists
Exercise Physiologists
Rehabilitation Counselors
Medical Appliance Technicians
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
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 36 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.