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Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. Established in 1889, WCU has a rich history of providing high-quality education to its students. The university is known for its strong commitment to student success and engagement, offering a vibrant campus community with numerous extracurricular activities and organizations.
One of the defining features of Western Carolina University is its emphasis on experiential learning. WCU believes in providing its students with hands-on experiences that complement their academic learning. Through internships, co-ops, fieldwork, and other real-world opportunities, students gain valuable practical experience and develop the skills needed for success in their chosen careers. Additionally, the universityÆs location in the picturesque Smoky Mountains provides a unique natural laboratory for programs such as environmental science, outdoor leadership, and natural resource conservation.
Western Carolina University prides itself on its commitment to collaborate with local communities and address pressing regional needs. WCU maintains strong partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, allowing students to engage in community-based research and service-learning projects. This commitment to community engagement extends to the universityÆs outreach and extension programs, which provide resources, support, and educational opportunities for residents of Western North Carolina. With a student-centered approach to education, a beautiful natural environment, and a focus on community engagement, Western Carolina University offers a well-rounded and enriching college experience.
Located in Cullowhee, NC and set in a rural environment, Western Carolina University is a public university. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 86%. The freshman retention rate at Western Carolina University is 75.48% and the six-year graduation rate is 59%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is February 1. The transfer application deadline is April 1.
Discover more about what you can expect if you get into Western Carolina University.
Quick Facts
10,009
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
86%
Acceptance Rate
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
59%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to discover as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the institution in order to improve your chances of being accepted. How difficult is it to get admitted to Western Carolina University and what are the admission requirements?
According to the newest information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 15,768 in 2024. Western Carolina University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the applicant. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
9% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 23% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. 2.6% of the enrolled students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 36.1% between 1,200 and 1,399, 48.2% between 1,000 and 1,199, 12.6% of the students between 800 and 999, and 0.5% between 600 and 799. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 9.2, 36.6 between 24-29, 43.4 in the range between 18-23, 10.8 between 12-17, and 0.4 between 6-11.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.4. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Western Carolina University.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by February 1. For transfer students, note that the application deadline is April 1.
86%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. That information can tell you if the majority of new students liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Western Carolina University was 75.48% in 2024, reflecting the superb quality of the educational programs at this institution.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 59%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the right choice for you. You can get a better insight into a school's culture and life by finding out more about its student body.
Main Student Body
In 2024, the school enrolled 11,628 students.
That year, the school had an out-of-state student body percentage of 16.4. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 10,009, 148 of which were international students. 1,056 students were admitted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 3,806 male and 5,215 female full-time students in 2024, which speaks volumes for gender equality at this institution. There were 249 full-time graduate male and 616 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
In order to enhance a sense of inclusion and belonging among its students, higher education is dedicated to increasing student diversity. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 124, and the number of Black American students was 648. 854 undergraduates at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 391 as multirace. The school also had 14 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 86 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 84 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. Here are some important facts on Western Carolina University costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Western Carolina University? Here is what you need to know.
If you are an area resident, your tuition was $1,000. For students who don't live in the state in which the university is located, the tuition was $5,000 in 2024. For international students, tuition fees at this school totaled $5,000, as well. Full-time students in 2024 had to pay additional fees in the amount of $3,630.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $5,000 | $3,630 | $8,630 |
| In-State | $1,000 | $3,630 | $4,630 |
Books and Supplies
The approximate cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another important financial factor. The approximate price of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $457.64.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. How much do room and board fees average around at schools?
In 2024, the price of room and board at Western Carolina University was $12,354 per academic year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school amounted to $6,790, according to the data from 2024. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $7,290.
| Tuition | $ 1,000 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,354 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 458 |
| Total Expense | $ 13,811 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial help can be a great deal for most students. Check out some recent data to get the information about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid available at Western Carolina University.
The most recent records show that 1,164 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $10,318.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
4,653 students were granted some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Western Carolina University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 4,659. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $20,209,221, and state $4,195,219. The students of Western Carolina University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $8,579,954, and external in the amount of $1,749,828.
$1,649
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Any financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid is considered non-need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
1,216 students, including freshmen, were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid at this institution in 2024. 311 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $20,209,221 while the state aid is $2,718,359. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $1,460,042. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $1,274,815 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
11:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Getting information about the faculty at a school can help you estimate the quality of education you will receive there.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Western Carolina University was 11:1: that means 11 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. This school has recently reported to have 533 faculty members. This number included 375 men and 412 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Western Carolina University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Western Carolina University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Check out some information about campus life at Western Carolina University.
Its campus spans 682 acres.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
This school has 165 open-membership student organizations you can participate in. This number includes sororities and fraternities. If you are interested in music, you can join the Western Carolina University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. You have a talent for media and communication? Western Carolina University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Western Carolina University, there are many amenities required for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Western Carolina University.
All in all, campus life at Western Carolina University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Western Carolina University.
Career Counselling
At Western Carolina University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students.
FAQ
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Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC.
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Western Carolina University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Western Carolina University is 86%.
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The most recent reported freshman retention rate for Western Carolina University is 75.48%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.