Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,608/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (29% exposed)
Job Market Large (80,000 openings/yr)
ROI 26.2x earnings multiple (13.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 57 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $475K $475K $455K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 26.2x 26.2x 25.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.9x 13.9x 13.3x
Probability of Field Employment 61% 60% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 53

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 (13.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,187
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,961
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,608 per year, Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions graduates from Western Carolina University earn slightly above the $35,097 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 26.2x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 29% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $23,187 debt-to-$37,608 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #10 out of 57 programs, Western Carolina University's Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $37,608 to $44,961 over five years (20% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Western Carolina University

With 87% of applicants admitted, Western Carolina University prioritizes broad access, serving 9,867 students in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina University →

Top Career Paths

Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr
Physical therapists $101,020/yr
View all 11 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions 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

How does Western Carolina University's Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Western Carolina University rank so high for Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions?
The #10 ranking out of 57 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →