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Western Carolina University

Western

Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723-9646

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Campus Vibe

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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

5600.0%

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

92Average

Estimated from NC state average

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Atlantapop. 500K
128 mi(222 min)
Charlottepop. 880K
132 mi(229 min)
Nashvillepop. 690K
210 mi(364 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Western Carolina University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications