Public Administration
Master's degree · Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC
How this program compares
Graduates of the master's degree program in Public Administration at Western Carolina University earn a median of $52,126 one year after completing the program. Nationally, master's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $81,408 four years after graduating (middle half: $60,052–$109,056). Median debt is $26,000, about 50% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.
Public Administration (Master's degree) at other North Carolina schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $66,534 | $61,017 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte | $59,111 | $32,015 |
| North Carolina Central University Durham | $51,559 | $62,084 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $51,393 | $35,500 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington | $50,764 | $30,000 |
| Strayer University-North Carolina Greensboro | $49,512 | $81,723 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro | $48,682 | $20,000 |
| Appalachian State University Boone | $46,655 | $23,172 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke | $46,323 | $48,000 |
Other programs at Western Carolina University
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingMaster's degree
$106,628 - Construction Engineering Technology/TechnicianMaster's degree
$87,408 - Health Professions Education, Ethics, and HumanitiesMaster's degree
$79,115 - Business Administration, Management and OperationsMaster's degree
$73,460 - Rehabilitation and Therapeutic ProfessionsDoctoral degree
$72,019 - Electrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringBachelor's degree
$69,067 - Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's degree
$68,774 - Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/TechniciansBachelor's degree
$67,003 - Educational Administration and SupervisionMaster's degree
$66,432 - Accounting and Related ServicesMaster's degree
$64,148 - Construction Engineering Technology/TechnicianBachelor's degree
$63,401 - Engineering, GeneralBachelor's degree
$62,244 - Human Resources Management and ServicesMaster's degree
$59,947 - Engineering Technologies/Technicians, GeneralBachelor's degree
$59,813 - Health and Medical Administrative ServicesMaster's degree
$59,078 - Public AdministrationBachelor's degree
$56,445 - Clinical, Counseling and Applied PsychologyMaster's degree
$54,682 - Communication Disorders Sciences and ServicesMaster's degree
$53,673 - Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment ProfessionsBachelor's degree
$53,398 - Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessMaster's degree
$49,923
Frequently asked questions
How much do Public Administration graduates from Western Carolina University make?
The median salary is $52,126 one year after graduation and $61,074 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $26,000.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.