Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina — Highway 107, 28723-9646
Western Carolina University is a leading Public institution located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Established to provide high-quality education, Western Carolina University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.
| Federal Aid Approval | 12/1/1965 |
|---|---|
| Location | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| Type | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 9,867 students |
| Median Salary | $49,458 |
Western Carolina University — Institution Overview
| Institution Name | Western Carolina University |
|---|---|
| Location | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| Official Website | https://www.wcu.edu/ |
| Address | Highway 107 Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646 |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Total Students | 9,867 |
Western Carolina University Admissions Process
SAT Score Breakdown
| Section | Average | 25th %ile | 75th %ile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | — | 510 | 610 |
| Evidence-Based Reading | — | 540 | 650 |
Western Carolina University Tuition Fees and Costs
| In-State Tuition | $4,532 |
|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,532 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 32.9% |
| Median Debt (Completers) | $21,868 |
The Real Cost
Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.
Western Carolina University cost by family income
These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.
Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $8,571 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.
Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.
Admission Chance
Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.
Is Western Carolina University hard to get into?
SAT score range
25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students
ACT score range
25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students
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Major Spotlight
Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.
Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Western Carolina University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Western Carolina University
Master's DegreeEducational Administration and Supervision. salary after Western Carolina University
Doctoral DegreeConstruction Engineering Technologies. salary after Western Carolina University
Master's DegreeSalary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.
Western Carolina University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics
Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.
Courses and Academic Programs at Western Carolina University
10 programsCareer Opportunities and Alumni Network at Western Carolina University
| Timeframe After Entry | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 6 Years After Entry | $43,085 |
| 10 Years After Entry | $49,458 |
| Average Net Price | $12,579 |
|---|---|
| Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) | $49,458 |
| 3-Year Loan Repayment Rate | 329300% |
Campus Life and Student Facilities at Western Carolina University
Gender Breakdown
Enrollment Type
Diversity & Ethnicity
Campus Demographics
Student Economic Background
| Median Household Income | $56,230 |
| Average Family Income | $59,990 |
| Median Family Income | $46,182 |
Faculty Profile
Faculty Gender
Scholarships and Grants at Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.
Average Net Price by Family Income
| Income Bracket | Net Price / Year |
|---|
Student Debt Overview
| Median Debt — Completers | $21,868 |
| Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile | $6,998 |
| Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile | $25,983 |
Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Western Carolina University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.
Western Carolina University Rankings and Accreditation
| Institution Type | Public |
|---|---|
| Geographic Region | United States |
| Title IV Federal Aid Approval | 12/1/1965 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 59.1% |
| Median Graduate Salary | $49,458 |
| Data Source | U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026) |
Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Western Carolina University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.
Housing and Campus Location for Western Carolina University
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Carolina University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 86.7%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.
How much is tuition at Western Carolina University?
Tuition at Western Carolina University is $4,532 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for graduates of Western Carolina University?
Graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median salary of $49,458 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.
Where is Western Carolina University located?
Western Carolina University is located at Highway 107, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723-9646. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.
Difficulty: Open Admission
Popular in North Carolina
Contact Facts
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Phone Number Available on Official Site
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Website https://www.wcu.edu/
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Annual Tuition $4,532
Similar Schools in North Carolina
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Western Carolina University?
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Calculate Your AidData sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed
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