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Western Carolina University

Western

Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723-9646

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Campus Vibe

Mid-SizeRuralPublic

Known for health sciences — excellent value

Western Carolina University is a public institution in Cullowhee with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1151, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 9.9K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.

59% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $49,458 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $12,579.

Established
1889
Type
Public university
Conference
Southern Conference
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

33 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
87%Acceptance
1151SAT Avg
9,867Students
16:1Student:Faculty
59%Grad Rate
$49,458Earnings 10yr
$12,579Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Western Carolina University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate86.7%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1151

Reading & WritingMid: 580
540650
MathMid: 565
510610

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
2026

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

86.7%

Trend

SAT Avg

1151

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$4,532
Tuition (out-of-state)$8,532
Room & Board$11,764
Books & Supplies$693
Total Cost of Attendance$19,057
Average Net Price$12,579
Median Debt at Graduation$21,868
Monthly Payment (10yr)$232

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$8,571
$30–48K$10,277
$48–75K$13,085
$75–110K$15,140
$110K+$17,958

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$12,579

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

56.4%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,348

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

65

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (111)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
9,867
Gender Split
57% / 43%
Women / Men
First Generation
33%
Pell Grant Recipients
33%

Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Black 7%
Hispanic 9%
Asian 1%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 2%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate59.1%
Freshman Retention75.5%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$43,085
8 Years$45,617
10 Years$49,458

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$36,100
Men
$46,800

Rankings

U.S. News
#231
Washington Monthly
#131

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

112Above Average

Housing and food costs are higher than national average

Climate (School Year)

68°
Sep
55°
Oct
42°
Nov
30°
Dec
25°
Jan
28°
Feb
38°
Mar
50°
Apr
62°
May
Snowfall: 48"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 120

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675,647
90 miles(95 min)
Hartfordpop. 121,054
60 miles(70 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Western Carolina University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications

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