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B+
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Academics
    B+
  2. Value
    B+
  3. Diversity
    B
  4. Campus
    A-
  5. Athletics
    B+
  6. Party Scene
    B
  7. Professors
    A-
  8. Location
    B-
  9. Dorms
    B+
  10. Campus Food
    B+
  11. Student Life
    B
  12. Safety
    B
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Western Carolina University is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-FCS
Athletic Conference
Southern Conference
Address
1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
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
41%
Application Deadline
February 1
SAT Range
910-1120
ACT Range
20-25
Application Fee
$65
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Early Decision/Early Action
Yes
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Test Scores and GPA for Western Carolina UniversitySee Other Colleges

Cost

Net Price
$13,646/ year
National
$15,523
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $9,932/ year
  • $30-48k
    $11,506/ year
  • $49-75k
    $15,377/ year
  • $76-110k
    $18,446/ year
  • $110k+
    $19,411/ year

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 Graduates
  • Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
    138 Graduates
  • Marketing
    108 Graduates
  • Psychology
    99 Graduates
  • Business Administration and Management
    83 Graduates
  • Biology
    80 Graduates
  • Social Work and Youth Services
    79 Graduates
  • Middle School Education
    65 Graduates
  • Elementary Education
    64 Graduates
  • Engineering Technology
    59 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
7,871Undergrads
Undergrads Over 25
8%
Pell Grant
39%
Varsity Athletes
5%
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
Based on 60 responses
Report
  • Outdoorsy
    52%
  • Unique. Most people do whatever they like.
    27%
  • Active
    10%
  • You have several different character types
    8%
  • I'm a new graduate student taking online classes
    3%

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
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 66 responses
Report
  • Beautiful
    44%
  • Amazing
    15%
  • Peaceful
    14%
  • It will do
    9%
  • Good fit
    8%
  • WCU Rocks!
    5%
  • Adventurous
    3%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$36,200/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation 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
Colleges like Western Carolina University
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Western Carolina University Reviews

1,291 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!
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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.
I love being at Western Carolina University because it feels like home away from home. Not only do the professors make you feel wanted but the staff does as well. Every adult authority really does their best to make you feel at home. The campus is not to big so you can easily find your way around and once you get to know people you will pass them walking around. It is so nice to be able to walk around and see a familiar face. Western Carolina does need more food options and better quality food but they are working on that. Another reason I love Western is because they are continuously growing. We received a new multipurpose building this year featuring dining, stores, and dorm rooms, and we will be receiving a new building as well next year. The growth and the time spent at Western amazes me!