- AcademicsB+
- ValueB+
- DiversityB
- CampusA-
- AthleticsB+
- Party SceneB
- ProfessorsA-
- LocationB-
- DormsB+
- Campus FoodB+
- Student LifeB
- SafetyB
Western Carolina University is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FCS
Athletic Conference
Southern Conference
Address
1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Website
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
41%
SAT Range
910-1120
ACT Range
20-25
Application Fee
$65
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
Application Website
Will You Get In?
Test Scores and GPA for Western Carolina UniversitySee Other Colleges
Cost
Net Price
$13,646/ year
National
$15,523Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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- Loans from community lenders that put people before profits
- Easy, online app with ability to add a cosigner in minutes
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- Simple, straightforward student loans with an easy application
- Flexible repayment options, and strong borrower protections
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- Apply online in just 3 minutes
- No origination, application and processing fees, no fees for early repayment
Academics
Professors
A-
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
- 63%
- of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.90 responses
- 67%
- of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.90 responses
Majors
Most Popular Majors
Nursing
191 GraduatesCriminal Justice and Safety Studies
138 GraduatesMarketing
108 GraduatesPsychology
99 GraduatesBusiness Administration and Management
83 GraduatesBiology
80 GraduatesSocial Work and Youth Services
79 GraduatesMiddle School Education
65 GraduatesElementary Education
64 GraduatesEngineering Technology
59 Graduates
Students
Full-Time Enrollment
7,871Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
8%
Pell Grant
39%
Varsity Athletes
5%
Campus Life
Freshmen Live On-Campus
—
Poll
- 72%
- of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.105 responses
Poll
- 58%
- of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.124 responses
After College
Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$36,200/ year
National
$33,028Graduation Rate
57%
National
49%Employed 2 Years After Graduation
93%
National
83%- 85%
- of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.60 responses
Western Carolina University Reviews
1,300 reviews
All Categories
The breath-snatching views of North Carolina's finest mountains are the first thing you wake up to in the morning, starting off every day with a view of what the real world looks like. Brown cafeteria is the hotspot destination due to its fresh food, beautiful architecture, and brand new everything. Afternoons and evenings can be spent enjoying membership in the many clubs and organizations on campus that truly make WCU thrive. Academically, WCU exists as only one of two colleges to offer a minor in leadership -a highly recommended 18-credit program for all. The School of Stage & Screen is one of the nation's top programs for anything theatre, and members of the school will stress this (however, the school's undertakings speak for itself). The Honors College just celebrated its 20th anniversary, and continues to stand out among higher ed institutions for its dedication to research and involvement. WCU is perhaps the most welcoming mountain college in the world!
Western Carolina University is the perfect school if you want to be surrounded by the outdoors. This university provides many outdoor programs that keeps students busy. They decreased their tuition to five-hundred a semester to help students, like I, afford a four-year university. WCU has also been recognized as the number one outdoor school in North Carolina. They offer activities like whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and fly fishing. Western is not only outdoor oriented but ethnically diverse as well since they have a large portion of EBCI tribal members, like myself, that attend the university. This school is perfect for any student that wants to be surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian mountains and ethnic diversity.
The experience at Western Carolina University that I had was more than wonderful! Everyone that I have come in contact with, is so compassionate and caring. It has truly been a grand experience, and it is a school that I would recommend to anyone. The only thing that I would change about this university is the diversity. Of course you will find diverse mindsets and beliefs but past that there are not many people of any color that attend. The few that do attend are not treated as outcasts but I would like to see more people that come from all over the world. Overall Western Carolina University is a great school that is very underrated.