Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| Online | wcu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Western Carolina University is a public institution established in 1889 and is nestled in the rural mountain town of Cullowhee, North Carolina. The university lies approximately 52 miles west of Asheville, offering a picturesque campus influenced by Appalachian culture and a variety of modern and historic facilities. Known for a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, the institution emphasizes education in fields like emergency medical care, environmental science, forensic science, and engineering. The university provides a moderately selective application process, aligning with its commitment to academic rigor. Students at Western Carolina University can choose from campus housing options that accommodate a diverse student body. While the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Catamounts, it is particularly recognized for its contributions to collegiate sports in certain areas, including football and basketball.
In the most recent statistical year 17,917 prospective students applied, and 15,201 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,932 enrolled in the school. 8,896 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 2,739 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $1,000 plus fees of $3,453. WCU is ranked 763 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WCU is rated within the lower 42% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Western Carolina University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#763 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#272 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#21 in Best Colleges in North Carolina
#10 in Best Public Colleges in North Carolina
#118 in Best Value Colleges in North Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1020/1240 |
| ACT | 19/26 |
| GPA | 3.44 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Mar 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $65 |
Annual Cost to Attend
North Carolina Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $664 |
| Other Fees | $3,453 |
| Room and Board | $11,173 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,051 |
| Total One Year Cost | $19,341 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $664 |
| Other Fees | $3,453 |
| Room and Board | $11,173 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,051 |
| Total One Year Cost | $23,341 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 20% |
| Health Professions | 16% |
| Business | 14% |
| Engineering Technology | 8% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 6% |
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Students considering WCU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Western Carolina University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=200004 IPEDS survey data for Western Carolina University.
Current students may use the Western Carolina University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024