Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability and Cost
Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.
Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$13,221
Average Net Price By Family Income
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 |
| Tuition Payment Plan | Yes |
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
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. Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
33%
Average Aid Per Year
$4,526
33%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,561
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$2,198
31%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$1,896
99%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$2,561
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$34,734,224
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$6,042,729
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
Students receiving federal loans
53%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,798
Average Other Loans Per Year
$9,905
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
Loan Default Rate
7%
US National: 7%
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
What Students Are Saying
My favorite part of tuition cost is the book rental policy. For $107, you get ALL the books you need for a semester. And you can return them at the end, so you don't have books you don't need sitting around. If you want, you can pay a discounted price to keep a book you want. This is one of Western's most exciting offers.
Hannah from Clemmons, NC
The cost to attend is reasonable and the quality of the school is amazing for the low costs. The convenience of food is good and the quality. Western also provides many services to help you academically, advisors are there to help step by step. They have disability services and Student Support Services.
Krysta from Kernersville, NC
WCU is one of the most affordable colleges in the UNC system, with approximate cost of attendance being $7000 per semester for in-state students and $12,000 per semester for out-of-state students.
Susan from Conover, NC
Tuition recently increased, but other than that, the facilities are well-maintained and the education is definitely worth it.
James from NC
Probably THE cheapest public school in NC, with a lot to offer. Brand new dorms, a beautiful huge new gym with a rock climbing wall, many intramural sports to join, free tutoring for many many classes, writing lab for those tough papers, math lab for all math courses! All for FREE. You don't have to pay for books because that's included in tuition as well!
Giselle from Cullowhee, NC
Probably one of the more cheaper schools in North Carolina. I certainly enjoy getting my education for not as pricey as other school.
Casey from Charlotte, NC
Western in one of the cheaper colleges in North Carolina, and yet it's academics can still compete with other colleges.
Krysta from Hickory, NC
The money is worth it!
Samantha from Clayton, NC
Who could ask for more. You get a great education, fine dining and living conditions, and most exciting of all, you get the wonderful experience of the mountains. From the many colors during the fall to the white winter, everything is beautiful. You get to experience the mountains like never before when you participate in the many outdoor and indoor activities that WCU has to offer. The most fun you will have at an college.
kanika from Charlotte, NC
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