Overview
Cullowhee, NC Western Carolina University is a public 4-year college located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. There are currently 9,809 undergraduates at WCU and the school’s acceptance rate is 85%. The tuition at WCU is $4,453 for in-state students and $8,453 for out-of-state.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
$19,341
$9,540
$13,801
Cost Breakdown
In-State
In-State Estimated Cost:
$19,341for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Out-of-State
Out-Of-State Estimated Cost:
$23,341for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Since WCU is a public university, there are different costs for in-state students and out-of-state students. The sticker price at WCU is $19,341 for in-state students in NC, and $23,341 for out-of-state students. This sticker price includes costs for tuition, books and supplies, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses.
It’s also important to note that the cost of attendance can vary from year to year and typically it will rise over your four years in college. With that said, your financial aid will also be recalculated every year to take any price increases, as well as any changes in your financial situation, into account.
College costs can look different for every student based on their financial situation. To get a more accurate picture of what tuition at WCU would look like for you, try entering your financial information into their Net Price Calculator.
Western Carolina University Financial Aid
Students who are applying for financial aid at Western Carolina University need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA). The FAFSA uses financial information from the prior, prior year which means that you don’t need to wait for the year to end and can use last year’s financial information.
The FAFSA code for Western Carolina University is 002981.
If you are looking for more information on how to complete the FAFSA, check out our How to Complete the FAFSA Guide.
Using State Grants at WCU
If you're a North Carolina resident with demonstrated financial need, be sure to look into state grants to help pay for WCU. The state offers two major need-based grants: The NC Need-Based Scholarship for Private College Students and the NC Scholarship. Both are reserved for needy students, and the former is reserved for those attending private schools. Unlike scholarships, these do not involve selection committees or essays. If you meet the requirements and the funds have not been exhausted, you will receive the money.
Apply to these scholarships due soon
See more North Carolina scholarships
Pell Grants at Western Carolina University
37% of students at Western Carolina University receive Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need (students who have a bachelor’s or professional degree are not eligible). Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not need to be repaid. To apply for a Pell Grant, students will need to submit their FAFSA. If you are awarded a Pell Grant, you’ll see it listed in your financial aid award letter if you are accepted to Western Carolina University.
You can learn more about Pell Grant eligibility here.
Outside Scholarships
WCU students can also apply for outside scholarships to fund their education. Outside scholarships are awards that are offered by private and non-profit organizations. If you want to see what outside scholarships you are eligible for, check out these resources:
Admissions
85%
22
1095 is the median SAT score and 22 is the median ACT score for admitted students at WCU. A score that is close to this median value indicates that you have a good chance of admission to the institution. However, it’s important to remember that colleges judge applications holistically. If the rest of your application is strong, it’s possible to make up for lower test scores.
Coalition Colleges
WCU is a Coalition Member College, which means they have completed a vigorous vetting process from the Coalition for College to ensure that they “provide substantial support to lower-income, under-resourced and/or first-generation students; offer responsible student financial aid; and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.” That also means you can apply to WCU via the Coalition Application. The Coalition Application makes it easy to obtain application fee waivers if you qualify. It’s also a great way to discover other colleges that have demonstrated a strong commitment to affordability and strong student outcomes.
Is WCU test-optional?
Western Carolina University is test-optional, which means that it does not require applicants to submit their SAT or ACT scores. That means that some students will submit their test scores and others will not. If you choose not to submit your ACT or SAT score, the admissions officers will weigh your grades, extracurricular activities, essays, and interviews more heavily. If you are not sure whether you should submit your standardized test scores, our guide on submitting scores to test-optional schools can help.
What SAT/ACT score do you need to get into Western Carolina University?
Colleges use standardized tests like the SAT and ACT as one of many factors to determine their admissions decisions. A high score on one of these tests does not guarantee admission to a college, and a low score does not guarantee rejection. However, the majority of accepted applicants to Western Carolina University receive between a 19 and a 26 on their ACT, or a 975 and a 1185 on their SAT.
Early Action
Rolling deadline at WCU
Western Carolina University accepts applications on a rolling basis. That means that the earlier you submit your application, the better chance you have of gaining admission and strong financial aid. Many schools with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, which means that students that submit their application before these dates have a better chance of receiving financial aid. Be sure to check WCU's website to become familiar with their admissions dates.
Should I apply Early Action at WCU?
Early Action is a great option for students who want to hear back from a college before the Regular Decision admissions are released. At some colleges, applying Early Action can also help your admissions chances. However, this varies on a college-by-college basis, so it will not always give you a boost.
Be on the lookout for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action options. These are not the same as Early Action, and although they can be great options for some students, they are not a good fit for everyone. If you’re considering applying for Single Choice Early Action or Restricted Early Action, be sure to read the college’s admissions website carefully. Make sure that these restrictions fit with your college admissions plan.
Academics
Student/Faculty Ratio
16:1
Graduation Rate
61%
Popular Majors
Percent of Students
Health Professions & Related Programs
23%
23% of graduates
Business, Management, & Marketing
20%
20% of graduates
Education
9%
9% of graduates
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services
5%
5% of graduates
Public Administration & Social Services
5%
5% of graduates
Visual & Performing Arts
5%
5% of graduates
Psychology
5%
5% of graduates
Engineering
4%
4% of graduates
Biological & Biomedical Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Engineering
3%
3% of graduates
Social Sciences
3%
3% of graduates
Physical Sciences
2%
2% of graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, & Fitness Studies
2%
2% of graduates
Communications & Journalism
2%
2% of graduates
Natural Resources & Conservation
2%
2% of graduates
English Language & Literature
1%
1% of graduates
Computer & Information Sciences
1%
1% of graduates
History
1%
1% of graduates
Languages & Literatures
1%
1% of graduates
Liberal Arts & Humanities
1%
1% of graduates
Student Body
Undergraduate Students
9,809
Pell Grant 33%
Undergrad Students Over 25 21%
Part-Time Undergrad Students 19%
Percent Male / Female 43% / 57%
Ethnic Diversity at WCU
77% White
8% Hispanic
6% Black
4% Multiracial
2% International / Non-Citizen
1% Asian / Pacific Islander
1% Unknown
1% American Indian / Alaska Native
Student Outcomes
Graduate Income
$49,458
Median Debt $21,868
Debt 10 years after graduation $232
Graduation Rate 61%
What is the graduation rate at Western Carolina University?
61% of students who start at Western Carolina University end up finishing their degree within six years of enrolling. This is 3% more than the national median. A higher graduation rate indicates that students have better experiences at an institution.
How much do graduates of Western Carolina University go on to earn?
10 years after starting school at Western Carolina University, the median earnings among students who received federal financial aid was $49,458. This is $933 less than the national median.
Earnings can vary widely based on many factors other than school choice. Your major and career path can cause substantial changes in your income down the line. For more information, check out our article on the average starting salary out of college.
How much do students at WCU take out in loans?
Graduates of WCU have to take out a median of $21,868 in federal student loans. This is $8,368 more than the national median. As you make decisions about your college loans, it’s important to inform yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of each loan option. Our guide to navigating these different options is a great place to start.
Data Sources
We strive to provide users with the most up-to-date information and source data from publicly available sources, including the College Scorecard and directly from the colleges. College statistics can change throughout the year, but we do our best to update them as quickly as possible. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.
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