Western Carolina University
Situated near the Great Smoky Mountains, Western Carolina University is a public school in the University of North Carolina system with three campus locations. WCU features six colleges granting bachelor’s degrees encompassing over 120 majors, minors, and concentrations. The university is also home to the Forensic Research Facility, the second institute of its kind in the nation. Throughout the school year, WCU schedules a number of annual all-campus events including Valley Ballyhoo and a 12 hour Dance Marathon.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
No
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action Acceptance is not binding, but student will receive admissions decision earlier. | November 1 | |
| Fall Regular Decision | February 1 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | November 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
28%
Submitting ACT
9%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 22
Average SAT Composite: 1124
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
11,635
Total Number of Undergrads
9,956
Classroom Sizes
0
100
43%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
64%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
16:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $4,532 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $8,532 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $11,764 |
| Books and Supplies | $693 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
68%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
33%
Average Aid Per Year
$4,526
33%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,561
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$2,198
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
54%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,250
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$15,750
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$214
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
165
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
48%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Catamounts
School Colors
purple and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Southern Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
Asheville
Charlotte
Raleigh
Greensboro
Hickory
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$41,300
What Students Are Saying
If you are looking for a superb education, a beautiful campus, and a phenomenal college experience at a competitive price, Western Carolina University is the perfect college for you. Smack in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina has some the best scenery around and offers some of the nation's highest-ranked academic programs. Home to less than 10,000 students, class sizes are relatively small and tuition is extremely affordable, making Western Carolina University the best in every category.
Susan from Conover, NC
If you like moutnain scenery, a cheap cost, and a mildly populated college this is for you.
Panda Brah from Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University is a fantastic school. It offers great academics while still being a beautiful campus. It is small, and so the class sizes are even smaller than at my high school.
Krysta from Hickory, NC
The environment is amazing and not only the teachers but everyone is very helpful. Western will your home away from home and you will be proud to call yourself a Catamount. At Western, there is so much to do academically and recreationally so you will never get bored.
Samantha from Clayton, NC
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