About

University Type

Public

University Type

US News National rank

263

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$34,102

Average Living Expenses

Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It is part of the University of North Carolina system. Established in 1889, the university has a total enrollment of more than 11,000 students including undergraduate and graduate students representing 48 states and 35 countries. 

The university offers a diverse range of academic opportunities, boasting more than 115 undergraduate majors and concentrations, along with over 40 graduate programs. These programs are designed to cater to fields in high demand, such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, humanities, business, and the arts.

A significant portion of WCU's student body, around 4,500 students, resides on the campus in Cullowhee, accommodated in its 17 residential buildings. Notably, the university achieved a ranking of 26th among National Universities in the 2022-23 edition.

For international students considering enrollment, the estimated cost of attending Western Carolina University is $13,755 per semester or $27,510 annually.

Top Reasons to Study in the Western Carolina University

  • Nationally ranked programs: WCU offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs, many of which are nationally ranked. For example, the College of Education is ranked #2 in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report, and the College of Health and Human Services is ranked #1 in the state for its online programs.
  • Affordability: WCU is a public university, so tuition is more affordable than at many private schools. In addition, WCU offers the NC Promise program, which covers the cost of tuition for in-state students who meet certain academic requirements.
  • Exceptional student support: WCU is committed to providing its students with the support they need to succeed. The university offers a variety of resources, including academic advising, tutoring, financial aid, and career counselling.
  • Beautiful campus: WCU is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means students enjoy stunning views and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The campus itself is also very beautiful, with a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
  • Active student life: WCU has a vibrant student life, with over 200 student organizations and clubs. Students can get involved in everything from intramural sports to Greek life to student government.
  • Sense of community: WCU is known for its strong sense of community. Students, faculty, and staff are all supportive of each other, and there is a real sense of belonging on campus.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Western Carolina University

Average tuition fee

Reasonable

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$23,060

Average living expenses (Masters)

$34,102

Admissions at The Western Carolina University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

79%

Application Fee

$65


How to Apply at Western Carolina University

Here are the steps on how to apply to Western Carolina University as an international student:

  • Visit the Western Carolina University website: https://www.wcu.edu/ and click on the "Apply" tab.
  • Select "International Student Application" and follow the instructions.
  • You will need to create an account and submit the following:
    • personal information
    • academic transcripts
    • English proficiency test scores
    • letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement
  • You will also need to pay a $65 application fee.
  • The application deadline for international students varies depending on the term you want to start.

Documents Required to Apply to Western Carolina University

Here are the documents required by international students to apply to Western Carolina University include :

Undergraduate students

  • Application form and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • English proficiency score
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Certification of Finances 

Graduate students

  • Application form and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • English proficiency score
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation (If required by the program)
  • Resume or program (If required by the program)
  • Personal statement (If required by the program)
  • Certification of Finances 

For more information, you can visit here.


Exams Accepted By Western Carolina University

Below given are the minimum requirements for the exam accepted by Western Carolina University: 

Undergraduate students:

  • TOEFL (iBT): 75
  • TOEFL (PBT): 537
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • DET: 95
  • PTE: 50
  • SAT: 880
  • ACT: 18

Graduate students: 

  • TOEFL (iBT): 79
  • TOEFL (PBT): 550
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • DET: 105
  • PTE: 56
  • GRE: 300
  • GMAT: 450

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Rankings for The Western Carolina University

US News Ranking

#263

US News National rank


More rankings for this university

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Students Western Carolina University

44

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International Students

% of international students in the university

14.54

Total International Students in the university

1692


Alumni at Western Carolina University

Some of the prominent alumni of Western Carolina University are: 

  • David Sedaris, humorist, author, and radio personality
  • Rich Hall, comedian, actor, and writer
  • Geno Segers, actor, former professional rugby player
  • Kevin Martin, retired professional basketball player
  • Percy Watson, singer, songwriter, actor
  • Paul Johnson, retired college football coach
  • Gerald Austin, retired NFL referee

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Related Discussion for the Universities

Ask, post and discuss!

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vennkat Reddy
Vennkat Reddy

5 years ago

anyone applied wcu?
anyone applied wcu?
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mounika chatu
Mounika Chatu

6 years ago

Does anyone applied West Chester University, PA? I got an admit for computer science in wcu.
Does anyone applied West Chester University, PA? I got an admit for computer science in wcu.
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Reviews for Western Carolina University

Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
2

Campus locations
North Carolina

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Transportation in the city

  • Cat-Tran: This is the on-campus transportation system that provides free rides to students, faculty, and staff. 10 routes cover the entire campus, and the buses run every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in the evening.
  • Jackson County Transit: This public transportation system provides service to Cullowhee and the surrounding area. Two routes stop at the university, and the buses run every hour during the day and every two hours in the evening.
  • Taxi: Several taxi companies operate in the Cullowhee area. Taxis can be expensive, but they can be a convenient way to get around if you are not on campus.

Services offered by the university

Western Carolina University offers a wide range of services to its students, faculty, and staff. Here are some of the most notable services offered by WCU:

  • Academic services: WCU offers a variety of academic services to help students succeed in their studies. These services include tutoring, writing support, supplemental instruction, and academic advising.
  • Financial aid: WCU offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students afford their education. These programs include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
  • Health services: WCU has a full-service health centre that provides students with medical, dental, and mental health care.
  • Recreational services: WCU has a variety of recreational facilities and programs for students to enjoy. These facilities include a gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a recreation centre.
  • Housing: WCU offers a variety of housing options for students, including residence halls, apartments, and houses.
  • Dining: WCU has a variety of dining options for students, including a cafeteria, a coffee shop, and a few restaurants.
  • Campus activities: WCU has a variety of campus activities for students to participate in, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and Greek life.

Student life at Western Carolina University

  • Outdoor Adventure: The university is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Students can go hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and more. The university also offers a variety of outdoor adventure courses and programs.
  • Campus Culture: The university has a vibrant campus culture that is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. There are always events happening on campus, from concerts and sporting events to student-run organizations and clubs.
  • Sense of Community: The university is a tight-knit community where students feel like they belong. Students are encouraged to get involved on campus and make connections with their classmates and professors.
  • Campus activities: The university has a variety of activities and events happening on campus throughout the year. There are concerts, speakers, sporting events, student activities, and more.

On campus accomodation at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University offers a variety of on-campus housing options for students, including:

  • Residence halls: WCU has 13 residence halls, which offer a variety of room types, including single rooms, double rooms, and triple. All residence halls are air-conditioned and have shared bathrooms. Some residence halls also have laundry facilities on each floor.
  • Greek housing: WCU has 10 Greek houses, which are available to students who are members of a Greek organization. Greek houses offer a variety of room types, including single rooms, double rooms, and triple. All Greek houses are air-conditioned and have shared bathrooms.
    Special interest housing: WCU offers a variety of special interest housing options, including
    • Honours housing: Honors housing is available to students who have been admitted to the WCU Honors College. Honours housing is located in a separate residence hall and offers a variety of amenities, such as study rooms, a computer lab, and a quiet lounge.
    • International student housing: International student housing is available to students who are not native English speakers. International student housing is located in a separate residence hall and offers a variety of amenities, such as English language tutoring, cultural programming, and a kitchenette in each room.
  • Residential learning communities: Residential learning communities are groups of students who live together in the same residence hall and share common interests, such as sustainability, service learning, or leadership. Residential learning communities offer a variety of opportunities for students to get involved on campus and learn from each other.

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FAQ

1. What are the average tuition fees of Western Carolina University?
The average Western Carolina University tuition fee for international students is 8,200 USD (6,45,000 INR) per year. 

2. What are GPA requirements for enrollment at Western Carolina University?
The students have to fufil a Western Carolina University GPA requirement of 3.0 to improve their chances of enrolment in the university. 

3. Does Western Carolina University offer courses in distance learning or online learning?
Western Carolina University offers online courses for students. There are non-credit courses, certificate programmes, and online graduate degree programmes available at WCU

4. What is the acceptance rate of Western Carolina University? 
The students have to go through a selective process of selection as Western Carolina University Acceptance rate is 48%

5. Does Western Carolina University offer student exchange programmes?
Western Carolina University students can be a part of the study abroad opportunities and study for a few weeks or a semester to an entire year in a foreign university.