Western Carolina University: programs, outcomes and local jobs

Western Carolina University at a glance

• 10,024

  students enrolled

• 3,269

  degrees and certificates a year

• 60%

  of students complete

  College Scorecard

• $13,315

  average net price a year

  Tuition $1,000 in state, $5,000 out of state

• $43,085

  median earnings, 6 years after entry

• $49,458

  median earnings, 10 years after entry

  89% working

Executive education programs listed on its site.

What students study

AI and data programs

Western Carolina University reported no degrees or certificates in artificial intelligence, data science, data analytics or robotics for 2024. A new program with no graduates yet would not appear here.

The job market around Western Carolina University

Professional jobs listed in the cities of Jackson County, where the college is.

Layoff notices in Jackson CountyNorth Carolina layoff noticesNorth Carolina rapid response

• 5

  open professional jobs

• 2

  entry level

• 0%

  ask for AI skills

  0 jobs

• 3.5%

  unemployment in Jackson County

  2026-08 · down 0.2 points from a year earlier

• $53,479

  median household income

  Jackson County

• 32%

  of workers are in professional jobs

  estimated 2.2% unemployment among them

Jobs that fit what students study here: most degrees are in health professions, business & management, education, which lead to clinical (1 open), finance (1 open).

Hiring most: LifePoint Health (3), R1 RCM (1), Western Carolina University (1).

What they hire for: Administration (2), Clinical (1), Finance (1). Administration jobs

Job search help near campus

Workforce board: Southwestern Workforce Development Board.

• NCWorks Career Center- Jackson CountySylva · 828-586-4063 · Mon and Wed 8:30 am -4:30 pm,(Closed 12pm-1pm for lunch) Fri 8:30-12:pm

American Job Centers are free, public career offices.

Similar colleges in North Carolina

• North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro · 12,182 students
• North Carolina Central UniversityDurham · 6,081 students
• University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro · 14,062 students
• Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville · 5,762 students
• University of North Carolina at PembrokePembroke · 5,330 students
• University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington · 14,922 students

All North Carolina colleges

Common questions

How big is Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University enrolls about 10,024 students and is a public 4-year institution in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It awards about 3,269 degrees and certificates a year.

What is the graduation rate at Western Carolina University?

60% of students complete, from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS 2023 / Scorecard 2026-06).

What do Western Carolina University graduates earn?

Median earnings of students who received federal aid are $43,085 six years after entry and $49,458 ten years after entry, from the College Scorecard.

Does Western Carolina University offer AI or data science degrees?

Western Carolina University reported no degrees or certificates in artificial intelligence, data science, data analytics or robotics for 2024 (IPEDS completions). A new program with no graduates yet would not appear.

Are there jobs near Western Carolina University?

5 open professional jobs are listed in Jackson County, 2 of them entry level and 0 saying no experience is needed. LifePoint Health has the most openings.