Western Carolina University (WCU)

Type	4 year, Public
Campus locale	Town: Distant
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system	Semester

Student body size	Medium
Common app member	Yes
Dormitory capacity	3,815
Student to faculty ratio	15 to 1
Acceptance rate	79%
Students retention rate	75%
On-time graduation rate	61%

Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, WCU is a public, institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college operates on a semester-based calendar system, providing students with structured academic terms.

The acceptance rate of 79% indicates that WCU is open to a wide range of applicants, providing opportunities for a diverse student body.

Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

WCU boasts an impressive student retention rate of 75% , indicating that the majority of students choose to continue their education at the institution. This number surpasses both the state and national averages of 80% and 72%, respectively.

Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The institution provides on-campus housing
Website

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

79.4%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$4,367

Cost of attendance at Western Carolina University in 2022 for students from North Carolina.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

North Carolina's average	$7,237
National average	$8,573

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$8,367

Cost of attendance at Western Carolina University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year , public colleges in the state as well as nationally.

North Carolina's average	$20,075
National average	$18,862

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 73 of freshman students at Western Carolina University received on average $5,772 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$5,772

	Students Receiving Aid		Average Amount	Total Amount
Pell Grant	664	37%	$4,693	$3,116,481
Other Federal Grant	856	48%	$4,392	$3,759,275
State Grant/Scholarships	589	33%	$1,886	$1,111,133
Institutional Grant/Scholarships	1,135	64%	$2,310	$2,621,705
Total Grant & Scholarships	1,298	73%	$5,772	$7,492,113

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Western Carolina University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Western Carolina University students is 61.4%. Female students graduated at a rate of 64.2%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 58.0%.

61.4%

asian 50.0% 11 students
African American 51.7% 45 students
white 63.7% 805 students
unknown 32.0% 8 students
hispanic 59.0% 62 students
International Students 40.0% 4 students
Mixed Race 57.3% 55 students

Sport Conferences

Football Southern Conference
Baseball Southern Conference
Basketball Southern Conference
Track and Cross Country Southern Conference

Athletic Associations

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Western Carolina University provides the following additional services to its students

On-campus day care for students' children
Placement services for graduates
Academic/career counseling services
Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Western Carolina University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.

Academic
Occupational

Special Learning Opportunities

Study abroad
Teacher certification

Veteran Services

Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service-members, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Credit for military training
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)

Compare Similar Colleges

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Western Carolina University