Acceptance Rate
81.83 %
SAT Average
1,180
Tuition & Fees
$8,630
($4,630)
($4,630)
Student Population
11,686
Average Financial Aid Amount Received
$4,565
Academic Overview

The 2025 tuition & fees is $4,630 for North Carolina residents and $8,630 for out-of-state students. The graduate school tuition & fees is $7,876 for North Carolina residents and $18,595 for out-of-state students.
The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and a total of 11,686 students are enrolled. The acceptance rate of undergraduate school is 81.83% and the graduation rate is 60% last year.
The salary after graduation from Western Carolina University varies by major programs where the average earning after 10 years is $41,300. You can check the average salary by the major programs on the area of study page.
Explore Western Carolina University
2025 Tuition & Fees
For undergraduate programs, for the academic year 2024-2025, Western Carolina's tuition & fees is $4,630 for North Carolina residents and $8,630 for non-residents. For graduate programs, its 2025 average tuition & fees are $7,876 for in-state students and $18,595 for out-of-state students.
Data source for 2025 Tuition: NCES, Last Update: March 12, 2024
| North Carolina Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $4,630 | $8,630 |
| Graduate | $7,876 | $18,595 |
Key Academic Statistics
The following chart illustrates the 2025 key academic statistics at Western Carolina. The acceptance rate of Western Carolina is 81.83% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 12.70%. The average graduation rate is 60% and the transfer-out rate is 27%.
The average received amount of financial aid is $4,565 and 96% of undergraduate students received grants or scholarship aid. A total of 11,686 students is attending including both undergraduate and graduate students, and the student to faculty ratio is 16 to 1.
Acceptance Rate for Western Carolina University is 81.83 %.
Acceptance Rate
81.83%
Graduation Rate for Western Carolina University is 60 %
Graduation Rate
60%
Transfer-out Rate for Western Carolina University is 27 %
Transfer-out Rate
27%
Retention Rate for Western Carolina University is 79 %
Retention Rate
79%
Student Population for Western Carolina University is 11,686
Student Population
11,686
Student to Faculty Ratio for Western Carolina University is 16 to 1
Student to Faculty Ratio
16 to 1
The average received amount of financial aid is $4,565 at Western Carolina University.
Financial Aid Amount
$4,565
Directory Information
| Address | Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 828-227-7100 |
| WEB | www.wcu.edu/ |
| Admission | www.wcu.edu/apply/index.aspx |
| Online Application | www.wcu.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/apply.aspx |
| Financial Aid | www.wcu.edu/apply/financial-aid/index.aspx |
| Net Price Calculator | www.wcu.edu/apply/financial-aid/facts-and-resources/npcalc.htm |
| Veterans Tuition | www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-services/military-student-services/index.aspx |
| Disability Service | www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-services/disability-services/ |
Offered Degrees
Western Carolina offers 114 major programs through online and on-site education where 31 programs are available through distance learning. The following table lists the number of programs by offered degree with online class availabilities.
| Award Level | Total Number of Programs | Available Online Class |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 64 | 9 |
| Master's | 29 | 12 |
| Doctorate (Research) | 1 | 0 |
| Doctorate (Practical) | 3 | 1 |
| Less Than 1 Year Certificate | 7 | 1 |
| Post-Bachelor's Certificate | 8 | 6 |
| Post-Master's Certificate | 2 | 2 |
Special Learning Opportunities
Western Carolina University offers online education (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
The school has teacher certification and study abroad - opportunity which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country programs to its students.
| Online Class | Undergraduate , Graduate |
|---|---|
| ROTC | No |
| Weekend/Evening College | ✗ |
| Teacher Certification | ✔ |
| Study Abroad | ✔ |
| Campus Housing | ✔ (Dormitory Capacity:4,347) |
| Board/Meal Plan | ✔ (Typical Annual Charge: $5,029) |
Veterans Benefits
Western Carolina University has programs, benefits and/or services to veterans, military service members, or their families.
| Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program) | ✔ |
|---|---|
| Credit for military training | ✔ |
| Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service members, and their families | ✔ |
| Recognized student veteran organization | ✔ |
| Member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges | ✔ |
Know about North Carolina Colleges
- How many colleges require the SAT Test Score in North Carolina?
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- Which colleges are Private Schools (for-profit) in North Carolina?
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- Which colleges grant Credit for military training in North Carolina?
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- Which colleges offer Graduate distance education (Online Courses) in North Carolina?
- Which colleges offer Teacher Certification program in North Carolina?
- Which colleges offer ROTC programs in North Carolina?