Where is Western Carolina University located?

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC, in the United States.

What type of institution is Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University is a public university based in NC. CampusPin classifies institutions as either four-year universities or two-year community colleges, with control labeled public or private.

What is the acceptance rate at Western Carolina University?

The most recently reported acceptance rate at Western Carolina University is approximately 87%. Acceptance rate signals selectivity but does not predict any individual applicant's outcome and is not a measure of school quality. CampusPin reports the federally-published value; verify the current cycle with the institution.

What is the tuition at Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University's published in-state tuition is approximately $4,532 per year. This is the published price before financial aid; the net price most students actually pay is typically lower. Verify the current academic-year tuition with the institution before applying.

How many students attend Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University reports total enrollment of approximately 11,486 students (undergraduate plus graduate). Total enrollment is a useful sizing signal — see the institutional profile for additional breakdowns when available.

How should I verify final details about Western Carolina University?

CampusPin compiles institutional data from public datasets like IPEDS and the College Scorecard, plus institutional websites and editorial review. Before applying, paying a deposit, or making a final decision, confirm admissions requirements, current tuition, financial aid, deadlines, and program details directly with Western Carolina University.

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Universitypublicverified

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Compare

Tuition

$4,532

Acceptance

87%

Students

11,486

Type

University

Setting

Rural

Distance from home

Open map

Accepts Common App Transfer friendly International friendly Athletics available

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition

$4,532

Out-of-State Tuition

$8,532

Avg On-Campus Living

$11,764

Avg Off-Campus Living

$12,322

Financial Aid & Outcomes

CollegeScorecard · 2024

What will it actually cost?

Sticker price$16,296

Net price (after aid)$12,579

Most students pay the net price after financial aid, not the sticker price.

Net price by family income

$0 – $30k$8,571

$30k – $48k$10,277

$48k – $75k$13,085

$75k – $110k$15,140

$110k+$17,958

After graduation

Median earnings (10yr)$49,458

Median debt at graduation$21,868

Est. monthly loan payment$232

Earnings-to-debt ratio

Moderate · 2.3×

Graduates earn about 2.3× their median debt every year.

Financial access

Students on Pell Grants33%

Pell Grants are federal aid for students from low-income families.

Students with federal loans44%

Share of students who borrowed to pay for school.

Some fields may not be reported by this institution. Verify final details with the school directly.

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

59%

Freshman Retention

76%

Source: CollegeScorecard (2024)

Final aid offers, scholarships, and net price vary per family. Always verify with the school's financial aid office.

Scholarships available

Decision support · Cost & value

Quick Decision Highlights

The strongest cost, aid, and value reasons to consider this school.

Cost advantage

Affordable public option

In-state tuition in the lower range for public universities.

This school$4.5k

Public 4-yr avg$11k

Source: CollegeScorecard 2024

Lower net price

$12.6k below avg

Out-of-state value

$8.5k below avg

Strong aid for lower incomes

Reported net price for the $0–30k band runs below average.

Affordability snapshot

In-state tuition

$4.5k

below avg

Out-of-state

$8.5k

below avg

Net price

$12.6k

below avg

Pell

33%

Median debt

$21.9k

below avg

Earnings (10y)

$49.5k

Academics

Program format

On-CampusOnlineHybrid

Areas of study

Natural SciencesCommunicationsComputer ScienceEducationEngineeringArts & HumanitiesSocial SciencesHealth SciencesLaw & Criminal JusticeVisual & Performing ArtsBusiness

Programs (30)

Natural Sciences

ChemistryEnvironmental SciencePhysicsBiology

Communications

Public RelationsJournalism

Computer Science

Software EngineeringData Science

Education

Elementary EducationSecondary EducationSpecial Education

Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Admissions

Acceptance rate

87%

SAT range

1050 - 1260

ACT range

20 - 26

Campus & Student Life

Total Enrollment

11,486

Undergrads

9,867

Campus Setting

Rural

City Size

Small Town

Clubs Count

Sports

Available

Transfer friendlyInternational friendly

Safety & Crime Context

Campus Safety

Low risk

Clery Report Year

2023

On-Campus Incidents

Violent Rate / 1,000

0.41

Property Rate / 1,000

1.62

Area Crime

Medium risk

Area Match

Cullowhee

Violent Rate / 100k

219

Property Rate / 100k

1,111

Campus: U.S. Department of Education Campus SafetyArea: FBI Uniform Crime Report 2023

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UniversitiesCommunity Colleges1 school

Institution does not report this

Cullowhee, NC 28723

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Frequently asked questions

About Western Carolina University

Built from CampusPin profile data. Always verify final admissions, cost, financial aid, and program details with the institution before applying. See our data methodology and data dictionary.

Where is Western Carolina University located?: Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC, in the United States.
What type of institution is Western Carolina University?: Western Carolina University is a public university based in NC. CampusPin classifies institutions as either four-year universities or two-year community colleges, with control labeled public or private.
What is the acceptance rate at Western Carolina University?: The most recently reported acceptance rate at Western Carolina University is approximately 87%. Acceptance rate signals selectivity but does not predict any individual applicant's outcome and is not a measure of school quality. CampusPin reports the federally-published value; verify the current cycle with the institution.
What is the tuition at Western Carolina University?: Western Carolina University's published in-state tuition is approximately $4,532 per year. This is the published price before financial aid; the net price most students actually pay is typically lower. Verify the current academic-year tuition with the institution before applying.
How many students attend Western Carolina University?: Western Carolina University reports total enrollment of approximately 11,486 students (undergraduate plus graduate). Total enrollment is a useful sizing signal — see the institutional profile for additional breakdowns when available.
How should I verify final details about Western Carolina University?: CampusPin compiles institutional data from public datasets like IPEDS and the College Scorecard, plus institutional websites and editorial review. Before applying, paying a deposit, or making a final decision, confirm admissions requirements, current tuition, financial aid, deadlines, and program details directly with Western Carolina University.

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Always verify final admissions, cost, financial aid, and program details with Western Carolina University before applying.