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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 (M+R)
1070–1270
25th–75th percentile
Campus Location
Admissions
Admission Requirements
ACT Score Range
20 – 26
Test Score Ranges
SAT Score (Math + Reading)
25th
1070
Median
1175
75th
1270
4001600
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
