Western Carolina University
Public university · Cullowhee, NC · 10,024 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
82%
Accessible
SAT (middle 50%)
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
Average net price
$13,025
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$21,165
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
61%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University accepts about 82 of every 100 applicants (82%), which makes it accessible. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1080 and 1270 on the SAT. A score at or above 1270 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1080, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 19–25.
The latest federal data says Western Carolina University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Western Carolina University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Western Carolina University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $21,165 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $13,025 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $4,685 for NC residents and $8,685 for out-of-state students.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$4,685
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$8,685
- Room & board$12,535
- Total cost of attendance$21,165
- Average net price after grants$13,025
Popular majors
Health Professions & Nursing, Business, Education, Psychology, Public Administration & Social Work.
Western Carolina University FAQ
- What is Western Carolina University's acceptance rate?
- 82% — accessible.
- What SAT score do you need for Western Carolina University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1080–1270. Aim for 1270 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Western Carolina University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 19–25.
- Is Western Carolina University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Western Carolina University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Western Carolina University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Western Carolina University cost?
- About $21,165 a year before aid; $13,025 on average after grants.
- What is Western Carolina University's FAFSA school code?
- 002981. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Western Carolina University receives your information.
- What is Western Carolina University's graduation rate?
- 61% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Western Carolina University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, NC | 82% | 890–1090 | $10,009 | 37% |
| North Carolina Wesleyan UniversityRocky Mount, NC | 80% | — | $20,318 | 45% |
| Shaw UniversityRaleigh, NC | 80% | — | $24,242 | 20% |
| Guilford CollegeGreensboro, NC | 80% | 1120–1260 | $22,813 | 43% |
| Johnson & Wales University-CharlotteCharlotte, NC | 80% | 880–1130 | $26,258 | 39% |
| University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC | 80% | 1140–1330 | $15,142 | 68% |