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CollegeGrad School
University of North Carolina System

Western Carolina University

#546 in Best Colleges in America
  • 4 Year
  • Cullowhee, NC
  • 1,394 reviews
    How to Apply
    B
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B+
    2. Value
      B
    3. Diversity
      B
    4. Campus
      B
    5. Athletics
      B+
    6. Party Scene
      B
    7. Professors
      B+
    8. Location
      C-
    9. Dorms
      B
    10. Campus Food
      B-
    11. Student Life
      B
    12. Safety
      B
    View Full Report Card
    Western Carolina is an above-average public university located in River Township, North Carolina. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 8,040 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the Western Carolina acceptance rate is 39%. Popular majors include Nursing, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, and Psychology. Graduating 59% of students, Western Carolina alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $31,900.
    About Western Carolina University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I-FCS
    Athletic Conference
    Southern Conference
    Address
    1 University Way
    Cullowhee, NC 28723
    Branch of
    University of North Carolina System
    Website
    wcu.edu

    Western Carolina University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    39%
    Application Deadline
    February 1
    SAT Range
    1020-1200
    ACT Range
    19-24
    Application Fee
    $65
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    Yes

    Cost

    Net Price
    $14,456/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $6,464/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    86%

    Academics

    Professors
    B+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    17:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    No
    80%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.84 responses
    64%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.98 responses
    67%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.98 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Nursing
      219 Graduates
    • Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
      155 Graduates
    • Psychology
      135 Graduates
    • Business
      127 Graduates
    • Marketing
      117 Graduates
    • Biology
      88 Graduates
    • Middle School Education
      63 Graduates
    • Elementary Education
      56 Graduates
    • Communications
      55 Graduates
    • Social Work and Youth Services
      53 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    8,040Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    1,366
    Undergrads Over 25
    8%
    Pell Grant
    42%
    Varsity Athletes
    4%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 68 responses
    Report
    • Outdoorsy
      46%
    • Unique. Most people do whatever they like.
      28%
    • Active
      9%
    • You have several different character types
      9%
    • Diverse
      3%
    • I'm a new graduate student taking online classes
      3%
    • Outgoing
      1%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    —
    Poll
    68%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.113 responses
    Poll
    57%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.132 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 74 responses
    Report
    • Beautiful
      45%
    • Amazing
      14%
    • Peaceful
      12%
    • It will do
      9%
    • Good fit
      8%
    • WCU Rocks!
      4%
    • Adventurous
      3%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $37,700/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    59%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    94%
    National
    83%
    85%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.60 responses
    Colleges like Western Carolina University
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    Western Carolina University Reviews

    1,394 reviews
    All Categories
    I originally applied to Western Carolina because of NC Promise, which grants in-state students $500 tuition per semester, but ended up falling in love with the school. Most classes have fairly good student to teacher ratios, making it easier to reach your professor for any questions or concerns. Western Carolina has some of the most genuine and caring educators that I have been privileged to know. You have to enjoy the outdoors if you're thinking about attending because 90% of the activities outside campus have to do with the outdoors. Dorms and near by apartments can be a bit expensive but are relatively cheap compared to other colleges in North Carolina. Campus parking is a bit difficult as well because it's to find parking spots during the weekdays. Overall, Western Carolina is a great school with a stress relieving scenery that never gets old!
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    I love the atmosphere. Western is the most enjoyable place I have ever been to. The students here are involved all around, and are the most friendly bunch of people I have met! I first arrived to Western alone with no one to talk to, but within 72 hours I had already made a few friends just from walking around campus. Those connections even led me to join a fraternity. The outdoor life is also great. I love going on hike's on the beautiful mountains we have here. I could not see myself at any other school. Lastly, but the most important is the $500 tuition is the best thing to offer. I do not have to worry about my taking out loans or anything. I am grateful for Western Carolina.
    Western has been the greatest decision in my life. The tuition for me being an out of state student is phenomenal! It was cheaper than anything in SC that I got accepted to! It has the atmosphere of a small college and everyone there is very friendly. Their athletic training program is top notch and I highly recommend that program, especially the professors! The climate for me was perfect because growing up in the Charleston, SC metro area, I wanted to go somewhere cooler and Western did just that. Even though it is in the middle of nowhere there is still a lot to do within an hour- two-hour radius of campus. All in all, this is an amazing school and I absolutely love it!