Mathematics at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
44
Optimistic
44
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,802/yr (-31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (65% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (104,900 openings/yr)
ROI 25.6x earnings multiple (13.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #229 of 253 Mathematics programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Mathematics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $460K $464K $448K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.4x 25.6x 24.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.5x 13.6x 13.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 65% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 44 44 48

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 (13.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,145
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,802 per year, Mathematics graduates from Western Carolina University earn below the $50,797 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 25.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Mathematics programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Mathematics's typical career paths, with 65% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 9 months of the $34,802 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #229 of 253 Mathematics programs, Western Carolina University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $34,802 to $43,145 over five years — a 24% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Western Carolina University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Western Carolina University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Mathematicians $121,680/yr
Data scientists $112,590/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Mathematics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Carolina University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Mathematics at Western Carolina University?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Mathematics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Mathematics careers?
With 65% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $448,042 in decade earnings vs $460,295 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Mathematics from Western Carolina University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →