Western Carolina University
About Western Carolina University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, North Carolina, in the Great Smoky Mountains. It offers programs in engineering, education, nursing, and hospitality and is part of the UNC system.
Founded
1889
Location
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Students
11,598
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
81.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
60.3%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$4,630
Out-of-state: $8,630
Avg Net Price
$13,315
After financial aid
SAT Average
1157
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$49,458
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 1
Western Carolina University accepts the majority of applicants at 81.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1157/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
60.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.1%
4-Year Grad
43%
6-Year Grad
61%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
73.5%
$/Student
$9.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 43% graduation rate is below average, but 79.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,630
In-State
$8,630
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,354
Books & Supplies
$800
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,992
After Financial Aid
$13,315
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,816
Receive Grants
34.6%
Take Loans
44.2%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,992/yr for in-state students, including $12,354 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,315. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $8,630.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Carolina University fund their education.
While in School
34.6%
Get Grants
Free money
44.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$46,182
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,868
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$232/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $21,868 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Carolina University.
Gender
57.5%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,024
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,574
Graduates
32.9%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
20.5%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 32.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
10,024
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Carolina University fields 9 varsity teams with 491 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
491
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
61% / 39%
298
Men
193
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Carolina Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,458
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$40K
253 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$69K
238 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
169 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$39K
156 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$33K
152 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$28K
148 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $43K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Carolina University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Carolina University?▾
How much does Western Carolina University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Carolina University?▾
How much do Western Carolina University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.