Campus Identity
Western Carolina University is a mid-size public university in Cullowhee, NC. Approximately 10,024 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 82% acceptance rate. Fontana Lake is about 19 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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At a Glance
Western Carolina University is a mid-size public university in Cullowhee, NC. Approximately 10,024 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 82% acceptance rate. Fontana Lake is about 19 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Western Carolina University is a 10,000–19,999, small-town school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 15 miles from Sapphire Valley Ski Area.
Athletics
NCAA D1
Southern
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Town setting
Weather
Warm Climate
51°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Western Carolina University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Sapphire Valley Ski Area, 15 miles away with 3 lifts and 8 skiable acres. All are within 34 miles of campus.
North Carolina
North Carolina
Tennessee
Nearby Lake
Fontana Lake is 19 miles from campus, giving Western Carolina University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Fontana Lake
Lake access within 18.6 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Cullowhee, NC
Cullowhee has a mild climate, with winters averaging 37°F in Jan and summers peaking around 74°F in Jul.
Station: CULLOWHEE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Western Carolina University in NC earns a composite safety score of 44/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,630 | $8,630 |
| Fees | $3,367 | $3,367 |
| Room & Board | $12,354 | $12,354 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,351 | $24,351 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
109 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Western Carolina University located?
Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC. The main campus address is Highway 107, Cullowhee, NC. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Western Carolina University?
Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%, making it accessible. Out of 19,742 applicants, 16,154 were admitted in the most recent year. 10,024 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Western Carolina University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Western Carolina University scored between 19 and 25 on the ACT, with a median of 23. About 19% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Western Carolina University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Western Carolina University charges $4,630/year for in-state students and $8,630/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,354/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $8,367/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,315/year — what students actually pay. Use Western Carolina University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Western Carolina University?
The undergraduate application fee at Western Carolina University is $65. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Western Carolina University have college sports?
Yes — Western Carolina University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Southern. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is Western Carolina University the right fit for me?
Whether Western Carolina University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (82% admit rate), avg net price ($13,315/year after aid), campus culture in Cullowhee, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Carolina University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Carolina University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Cullowhee, NC
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Southern
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 51°F avg
- App Fee
- $65
- On Campus Safety Score
- 44/100
- Nearest Airport
- Asheville, NC (AVL) · 37 mialso GMU (57 mi), TYS (57 mi)
Location
Cullowhee, NC