Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Master's degree · Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC
How this program compares
Graduates of the master's degree program in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Western Carolina University earn a median of $106,628 one year after completing the program. Nationally, master's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $120,193 four years after graduating (middle half: $94,642–$149,472). Median debt is $36,847, about 35% of first-year earnings – a manageable level by common guidelines.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's degree) at other North Carolina schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University Winston-Salem | $202,919 | $103,942 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte | $118,061 | $41,000 |
| East Carolina University Greenville | $112,198 | $41,971 |
| Duke University Durham | $109,702 | $89,495 |
| South University-High Point High Point | $102,397 | $59,405 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $99,792 | $41,000 |
| Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem | $96,656 | $26,157 |
| Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs | $94,355 | $41,319 |
| Queens University of Charlotte Charlotte | $93,594 | $40,654 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro | $93,594 | — |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington | $92,353 | $28,810 |
Other programs at Western Carolina University
- 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 - Public AdministrationMaster's degree
$52,126 - Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessMaster's degree
$49,923
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates from Western Carolina University make?
The median salary is $106,628 one year after graduation and $120,469 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $36,847.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.