Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC · Town · 10,024 students
4
YearPublic
Town
Large (10k+)
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About
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Location
Cullowhee, NC, 28723-9646 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
ATL · Atlanta
135 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$19,992
Out-of-state COA
$23,992
Avg net price
$13,315
Room & board
$12,354
In-state tuition
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$8,630
Books & supplies
$800/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$8,816
$30–48k
$10,012
$48–75k
$12,605
$75–110k
$17,060
$110k+
$17,992
Admissions
Admit rate
82%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1157
Reading 560–660
Math 520–610
ACT midpoint
22
Composite 19–25
English 18–25
Math 17–25
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600
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Essay Requirements
Western Carolina University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.
See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
1st-yr retention
79%
Transfer-out rate
28%
Consumer completion
65%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
62%
Transferred
29%
Still enrolled
1%
Dropped out / unknown
9%
Median earnings (6yr)
$43,085
Median earnings (10yr)
$49,458
Median debt
$21,868
Monthly loan payment
$232
Debt range (25th–75th)
$6,998–$25,983
Debt (90th percentile)
$31,249
Student Body
Men 42%Women 58%
16
:1
Student : Faculty ratio
■Students ■ Faculty
Pell grant recipients
35%
First-generation
33%
Median family income
$46,182
Independent students
21%
Veterans
0%
Avg age at entry
22.0
Part-time students
18%
Race & ethnicity
White
75%
Hispanic
9%
Black
7%
Asian
1%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
2%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$43,085
10 years after entry
$49,458
253
238
169
156
152
148
141
120
85
85
60
58
53
51
50
48
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$138M
Classification
Doctoral/Professional
Full-time faculty
74%
Avg faculty salary
$9,069/mo
Instructional spend/student
$9,410
Federal loan rate
44%
🎓 Wondering if Western Carolina University is the right fit for you?
Scout builds a personalised college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.
✅Personalised reach / match / safety list
💰Financial aid & net cost estimates
🔍Deep dives on any school
🎯Scholarship search