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
    A-
  8. Location
    D+
  9. Dorms
    B+
  10. Campus Food
    A-
  11. Student Life
    B-
  12. Safety
    B-
View Full Report Card
Western Carolina University is ...
Public
Athletic Division
NCAA Division I-AA
Athletic Conference
Southern Conference
Address
Highway 107
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
43%
SAT Range
950-1130
ACT Range
20-24
Application Fee
$55
SAT/ACT
Required
High School GPA
Required
Will You Get In?

Test Scores and GPA for Western Carolina University

Cost

Net Price
$12,916/ year
National
$15,431
Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $9,009/ year
  • $30-48k
    $10,838/ year
  • $49-75k
    $14,000/ year
  • $76-110k
    $17,217/ year
  • $110k+
    $17,957/ year

Academics

Professors
A-
Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
Student Faculty Ratio
16:1
Evening Degree Programs
No
80%
of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.84 responses
65%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.88 responses
67%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.88 responses

Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Nursing
    199 Graduates
  • Criminal Justice and Safety Studies
    168 Graduates
  • Psychology
    120 Graduates
  • Business Administration and Management
    91 Graduates
  • Middle School Education
    86 Graduates
  • Marketing
    83 Graduates
  • Social Work and Youth Services
    77 Graduates
  • Biology
    59 Graduates
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic)
    57 Graduates
  • Communications
    55 Graduates

Students

Full-Time Enrollment
7,373Undergrads
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 58 responses
Report
  • Outdoorsy
    50%
  • Unique. Most people do whatever they like.
    28%
  • Active
    10%
  • You have several different character types
    9%
  • 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.103 responses
Poll
58%
of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.122 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 64 responses
Report
  • Beautiful
    44%
  • Amazing
    16%
  • Peaceful
    14%
  • It will do
    9%
  • Good fit
    6%
  • WCU Rocks!
    5%
  • Adventurous
    3%

After Western Carolina University

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$35,100/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
58%
National
47%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
92%
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

1,250 reviews
All Categories
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!
Review Western Carolina University
I love it! Not only is Western Carolina University located in one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina, but the school itself is so clean and well kept. The staff and student population is very welcoming allowing newcomers to find a sense of home immediately. Football games are a blast with the combination of the roaring student section and "The Pride of The Mountain," Western Carolina band. All in all, everything about the school compliments itself, the location, student body, and the devoted staff.
I am going to describe all of the topics a typical college student would ask someone who already has experienced and went to Western Carolina University. So when you wake up in the morning its not just your average college. You look out your dormitory or apartment and see the sun rise and the mountains. This just makes your day a whole lot better and gets you in the mood to get up and go to class. There is a lot of diversity at Western, and you meet different people just about every day, as long as you take a different route to class that is. The teachers can sometimes be tough on you and that is just because they want to push you to your ability. And also get you ready for whatever job you are trying to pursue after undergraduate. Athletics are a major thing at Western, mostly the football team. Our stadium is amazing and you always have a great time at the games, everyone is so nice and polite and never rarely see any one not having fun. This is just a little of what i love about my school!