WCU Ratings and Reviews
- 5/10 Overall Rating
- 4 Year
- Cullowhee, NC
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4.6 10 reviews
WCU Ratings and Reviews
Ratings
WCU is rated within the lower 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.
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Overall Rating5 out of 10
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Academics6 out of 10
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Resources4 out of 10
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Outcomes5 out of 10
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Value3 out of 10
Student Review Summary
4.6
10 student reviews
9 out of 10 (90%) reviewers rated 4 stars or higher
Students rate Campus Safety highest and Party and Bar Scene lowest.
Rating snapshot
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5 stars
7
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4 stars
2
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3 stars
1
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2 stars
0
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1 star
0
Average by category
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Overall Rating4.6
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Academics4.4
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Value for Money4.6
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Professors / Faculty4.7
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Campus Atmosphere4.8
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Housing4.2
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Campus Safety5.0
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Student Life4.0
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Party and Bar Scene3.9
Student and Parent Reviews
If you are a student, former student, faculty member or parent, please help guide other prospective students by sharing your personal experiences at this college. What is it really like to go to Western Carolina University?
Current Student
Fun school, beautiful campus, good academics. Not much to do besides party on the weekend.
Current Student
WCU is a lot of fun and there are lots of cool activities constantly held for the students. Since the classes are smaller class sizes attendance is very important and professors have no problem failing you but they are very personal and are always there to help (you just have to ask). The advisors are my favorite part as they guide me through any problem or question I may have. It's very fun and the students are very nice to each other. I've never felt unsafe on the campus. WCU was my backup school so if you're deciding where to go come visit the campus first you will fall in love, it was even rated one of the top adventure schools!
Alumnus
Western is an amazing school, unlike any other in the UNC system. It's a small(er) school with a real sense of community, yet big enough to provide the college experience. On the academic side, you can range from just getting by to truly challenging yourself. Look for ways to get involved early and the your time here will be well worth it.
Current Student
WCU is an amazing school for the adventurous and fun. With plenty of outdoor sports and such to keep you busy on a good weather day and tons of on campus activities to keep you busy on the bad ones. The professors are dedicated and give you the one-on-one attention you need. Advisors are helpful and always available. Western makes the transition from home to college seamless and fun while pushing you to succeed. I love Western!!
Alumnus
Alumnus
Western Carolina is a phenomenal school! When I compare my college experience to my colleagues I am so thankful and feel fortunate to be a Catamount! I had better access and rapport to my class professor than I did in high school. The size of the campus and weather is untouchable in WNC. The Chancellor is involved in student life and visible on campus. I could continue to write about how great this school is and how well I was prepared for the real world.
Current Student
Private school feel. Faculty is great! Campus just keeps getting better!
Current Student
Faculty is amazing! Our campus is top notch. Even the older buildings have been renovated beautifully. I love this school- don't be discouraged by how far it it is. It's worth the drive!!!
Alumnus
Faculty care about your, unlike some large institutions with large class sizes you really do matter at WCU.
Current Student
Rate Western Carolina University
Share your ratings for WCU across academics, campus life, and more to help prospective students understand what it's really like to attend.
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=200004.
Last updated: August 2026