Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, and is part of the University of North Carolina system. Founded in 1889, it's the fifth oldest of the sixteen four-year universities within the UNC system. WCU was established with the mission of educating the people of the western North Carolina mountains. This focus on the region is still evident today, with the university offering programs and initiatives that address the specific needs and opportunities of the area.
The university is recognized as one of the best places to work in the nation, ranking 34th on the Forbes list of America's Best Midsize Employers (2023). Ranked among the top 8.5% of midsize employers by Forbes, it indicates a positive work environment. In US News and World Rankings 2024, Western Carolina University is ranked 227th in Best Colleges in National Universities Rankings, and 123rd in top public school rankings.
What is the Western Carolina University Times Higher Education Rankings 2025?
Western Carolina University ranks 263 according to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2025.
Highlights About the Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public liberal arts university in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Here are some of the reasons for its popularity:
- Academics: WCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including strong programs in business, education, nursing, and health sciences. The university is consistently ranked among the best regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.
- Affordability: WCU is a relatively affordable option for international students. Its undergraduate tuition fee is approximately USD 11,053 / INR 9,16,310, and WCU’s graduate tuition fee is approximately USD 17,271 / INR 14,31,800. Moreover, the university offers several scholarships and financial aid programs to help students cover the cost of attendance.
- Strong sense of community: WCU has a friendly and welcoming campus community, with a variety of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.
- Division I athletics: WCU competes in the Southern Conference of NCAA Division I athletics. The university's football team is particularly well-known, and it has won multiple national championships in recent years.
- Award-winning faculty: WCU has some award-winning faculty members who are experts in their fields. It also has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1, which allows for more personalized attention from professors.
- Focus on experiential learning: WCU offers a variety of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, such as internships, research opportunities, and service learning projects.
Western Carolina University seems to be a well-rounded institution with a focus on academics, affordability, and a unique mountain setting. Explore the various Yocket Premium services to ease the several processes involved in studying abroad. From applying to your dream university to obtaining a visa, our Yocket experts are here to help, all at your convenience!
Frequently Asked Questions on Western Carolina University Ranking 2025
1. What GPA do you need to go to Western Carolina?
Ans. A GPA of 3,4 is considered good by WCU’s admission committee for most programs at the university. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's.
2. What majors is Western Carolina University known for?
Ans. As the westernmost campus in the University of North Carolina system, WCU is proud to offer quality academic programs including nationally recognized degree programs in fields such as nursing, education, forensic science, emergency management, entrepreneurship, engineering, project management, and natural resources.
3. What are the national rankings of the Western Carolina University?
Ans. Western Carolina University is renowned for its vibrant campus life and multiple degrees in numerous fields. WCU is ranked 227th by US News & World Report - Best Global in National University Rankings 2024.