Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a public 4-year institution in Cullowhee, NC. It enrolls about 11,628 students and admits roughly 87% of first-year applicants.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Public 4-year |
| Control | public |
| Level | 4-year |
| Location | Cullowhee, NC 28723 |
| County | Jackson County |
| Enrollment | 11,628 |
| Acceptance rate | 87% |
| Applicants / admitted | 18,183 / 15,758 |
| In-state tuition & fees | $4,532 |
| Out-of-state tuition & fees | $8,532 |
| Graduation rate (150%) | 59% |
| Transfer-out rate | 28% |
| Full-time retention rate | 76% |
| Average net price (after aid) | $12,252 |
| Campus setting | Town: Distant |
| Size category | 10,000 - 19,999 |
| Highest degree offered | Doctor's degree |
| SAT middle 50% (EBRW+Math) | 540–650 |
| ACT middle 50% | 20–26 |
| Website | www.wcu.edu/ |
| Phone | 8282277100 |
Admissions
About 18,183 students applied and 15,758 were admitted. Of those admitted, 2,103 enrolled.
Cost
In-state students pay about $4,532 in tuition and required fees; out-of-state students pay $8,532. These are 2023-24 sticker prices for full-time first-year students and exclude housing, food and books. Most students pay less than the sticker price after institutional grants and scholarships.
Cost after financial aid
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $12,252 per year for first-time, full-time students receiving Title IV aid.
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | $8,571 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $10,277 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $13,085 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $15,140 |
| Over $110,000 | $17,958 |
Net price falls as family income falls because need-based aid rises. These are 2022-23 figures reported to IPEDS; use them to compare institutions, and use each college's own net price calculator for a personal estimate.
Outcomes
Of the 1,977 first-time, full-time students in the 150% cohort, 59% completed their programme within 150% of normal time. That cohort definition matters: part-time students and transfers are not included, so a college that serves many of them can have a low reported rate while still graduating most of its students.
Where it is
Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC, Jackson County. Its coordinates are 35.3090, -83.1863.
Nearby institutions
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Carolina University?
About 87% of first-year applicants are admitted, based on federal IPEDS data for 18,183 applicants.
How much does Western Carolina University cost?
Tuition and required fees are about $4,532 for in-state students and $8,532 for out-of-state students, excluding room and board.
How many students attend Western Carolina University?
About 11,628 students are enrolled.