Western Carolina University Programs & Rankings

Business programs at Western Carolina University span traditional management to specialized digital marketing, with earnings ranging from $44,964 to $51,753. Digital Marketing ranks #123 nationally and #4 in North Carolina with graduates earning $51,579.

Banking and Financial Support Services produces graduates earning $51,753, while the largest program, Business Administration, graduates 196 students annually earning $44,964. These programs balance enrollment scale with competitive career outcomes, serving students across diverse business interests.

Health professions represent Western Carolina University's strongest earning programs after engineering. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earn $65,830 with 178 students enrolled, ranking #192 nationally and #9 in North Carolina.

Allied Health Diagnostic programs produce graduates earning $47,130 with a value score of 27.0. These programs demonstrate WCU's commitment to preparing healthcare professionals for North Carolina's growing healthcare sector, with outcomes that justify educational investment through strong earning potential and career stability.

Science programs demonstrate strong value propositions despite moderate earnings levels. Analytical Chemistry stands out with graduates earning $58,765 and ranking #23 nationally with an impressive value score of 85.8.

Biology graduates earn $43,110 with manageable debt levels. These programs effectively prepare students for graduate school continuation, with approximately 25% of WCU graduates pursuing advanced degrees, making them suitable for students planning research or healthcare careers requiring additional education.

Social sciences programs show the widest outcome variation at Western Carolina University. Public Administration leads with graduates earning $58,649 and ranking #10 nationally, while Psychology graduates earn $32,439.

Forensic Social Work produces graduates earning $39,978 with specialized career preparation. These programs serve students interested in public service, counseling, and policy work, though earnings potential varies significantly based on career path selection and advanced education decisions.

Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $44,979 with a strong value score of 57.3, ranking #110 nationally and #7 in North Carolina. This program demonstrates competitive outcomes within the communications field, preparing students for media, marketing, and public relations careers.

The program combines practical skills development with theoretical foundation, supporting diverse career pathways in North Carolina's growing communications and media sectors.

Education programs serve students preparing for teaching careers across diverse specializations. Adult and Continuing Education graduates earn $39,561, while Agricultural Teacher Education produces graduates earning $41,076.

These programs typically prepare students for public service careers where loan forgiveness programs may apply, making debt-to-earnings ratios more manageable over time. Education programs support WCU's regional mission by preparing teachers for North Carolina schools and communities.

Corrections Administration ranks among Western Carolina University's strongest programs by value, with graduates earning $46,331 and achieving a remarkable value score of 47.6. The program ranks #101 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, graduating 150 students annually.

This program exemplifies effective career preparation for law enforcement and corrections careers, providing strong return on educational investment for students interested in public safety and criminal justice professions.