# Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/western-carolina-university

Western Carolina University is a public college in Cullowhee, NC with 10,024 undergraduates. It admits 82% of applicants, and admitted students average 1157 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $13,025 per year ($10,446 for families earning under $30,000). 61% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $53,764 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 82% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 18,183 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 15,758 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 560–660 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 520–610 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 19–25 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $21,165 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $13,025 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $10,446 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $8,629 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $10,322 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $15,350 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $18,389 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 10,024 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 61% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $53,764 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 (FY2024) |

## What Western Carolina University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Western Carolina University's acceptance rate?**

Western Carolina University admits 82% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What SAT score do you need for Western Carolina University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 560–660 on SAT Reading and Writing and 520–610 on SAT Math; the average total is 1157.

**What ACT score do you need for Western Carolina University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 19–25.

**Is Western Carolina University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Western Carolina University?**

In Fall 2023, 18,183 students applied to Western Carolina University and 15,758 were admitted; 2,103 enrolled.

**Does Western Carolina University consider legacy status?**

No. Western Carolina University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Western Carolina University require an essay?**

Western Carolina University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Western Carolina University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $21,165 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,025.

**What is Western Carolina University's graduation rate?**

61% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 200004. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology