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Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,521/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk High (46% exposed)

Job Market Large (41,400 openings/yr)

ROI 28.8x earnings multiple (15.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #51 of 103 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication Disorders Sciences and Services graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$523K	$523K	$487K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	28.9x	28.8x	26.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	15.3x	15.3x	14.3x
Probability of Field Employment	61%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	34	37

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$18,128

Out-of-state: $34,128 (15.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$50,316

-178% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,870

10.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,599

86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Western Carolina University's Communication Disorders Sciences and Services program produces graduates earning $24,521/yr — within striking distance of the $25,392 national average for this field.

With a 28.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Communication Disorders Sciences and Services career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,870 against $24,521/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #51 ranking among 103 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs places Western Carolina University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,521-to-$45,599 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Western Carolina University

A 87% acceptance rate means Western Carolina University is accessible to most applicants, serving 9,867 students in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →

Top Career Paths

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

Speech-language pathologists $95,410/yr

Audiologists $92,120/yr

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Carolina University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Western Carolina University?

At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication Disorders Sciences and Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication Disorders Sciences and Services at Western Carolina University?

The 46% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →