Social Work
Master's degree · Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, NC
$47,280Median earnings 1 year after graduating
$58,911Median earnings 4 years after
$56,936Median earnings 5 years after
$25,807Median federal debt
69Graduates per year
How this program compares
Graduates of the master's degree program in Social Work at Western Carolina University earn a median of $47,280 one year after completing the program. Nationally, master's degree graduates in this field earn a median of $65,123 four years after graduating (middle half: $51,662–$79,737). Median debt is $25,807, about 55% of first-year earnings.
Social Work (Master's degree) at other North Carolina schools
| College | Earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University Greenville | $51,150 | $29,026 |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill | $49,662 | $42,252 |
| Johnson C Smith University Charlotte | $48,343 | $41,000 |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington | $48,198 | $30,246 |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro | $47,557 | $25,603 |
| Appalachian State University Boone | $47,504 | $19,513 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte | $47,275 | $25,053 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh | $46,981 | $29,440 |
| North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro | $46,563 | $27,260 |
| North Carolina Central University Durham | $46,470 | $44,062 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke | $43,986 | $30,825 |
| Fayetteville State University Fayetteville | $43,107 | $32,182 |
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 - Public AdministrationMaster's degree
$52,126
Frequently asked questions
How much do Social Work graduates from Western Carolina University make?
The median salary is $47,280 one year after graduation and $56,936 after five years.
How much student debt do graduates have?
Graduates who borrowed federal loans owe a median of $25,807.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, June 2026 release (Field of Study data). Earnings are for graduates who received federal financial aid.