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87%
Open Admissions
60%
Graduation
About Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a public four-year institution located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. With an enrollment of approximately 9,867 undergraduate students, it is a mid-size institution. With an acceptance rate of 87%, the institution maintains an accessible admissions process. The graduation rate is 60%. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,458 within 10 years of enrollment. After financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,579 per year.
Key Statistics
Acceptance Rate
87%
Class of 2026 data
Graduation Rate
60%
Enrollment
9,867
Total students
Median Earnings
$49,458
10 yrs after entry
In-State Tuition
$4,532
Per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,532
Per year
Average Net Price
$12,579
After aid (avg)
SAT Range
N/A or test-optional
Campus Location
Admissions
Admission Requirements
SAT Score Range (M+R)
Test-optional / N/A
ACT Score Range
20 – 26
Test Score Ranges
SAT Score (Math + Reading)
Test-optional / N/A
SAT Math
25th
510
Median
565
75th
610
200800
ACT Composite
25th
20
Median
22
75th
26
136
Calculate Your Admission Chance
Estimate Your Admission Chance
Cost & Financial Aid
Cost Comparison
Out-of-State Tuition$8,532/yr
In-State Tuition$4,532/yr
Avg Net Price (after aid)$12,579/yr
What most students actually pay
Return on Investment
Good4-Year Cost
$50,316
10-Year Earnings
$494,580
ROI Multiple
9.8×
Based on avg net price × 4 years vs. median earnings × 10 years after enrollment
Scholarships at Western Carolina University
Student Outcomes
60%
Graduation Rate
Within 6 years
$49k
Median Earnings
10 years after enrollment
9,867
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
