Description

Part of the UNC System, Western Carolina University has served North Carolina students for over 120 years. The main campus in Cullowhee is a nature lover’s dream, situated on the Tuckasegee River between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain.

Because of its location in the heart of Appalachia, WCU is dedicated to the study, appreciation, and preservation of local cultures. The Mountain Heritage Center and Cherokee Center provide exhibitions and educational opportunities, while the school’s Craft Revival project archives the region’s rich tradition of artisanship.

But just as it is committed to preserving the past, Western Carolina University also looks toward the future. This is reflected by its academics, which includee programs in growing fields like technology, education, and healthcare.

WCU prides itself on its project management and entrepreneurship programs, as well as a rare program forensic anthropology.

On-campus studying is not always convenient, so Western Carolina also offers a variety of distance learning programs to meet all of its students’ needs. The school has online programs for undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates and licensures.

The off-site Bachelor’s in Engineering Technology program is ideal for the currently employed, and the Jamaica program offers a unique opportunity to study education in Kingston.

Quick Facts

Location

Southeast

Setting

Small Town Setting

Type

Public

Size

Large (5,000 to 10,000 Undergrad)

Mascots

Catamounts, Lady Cats

Website

www.wcu.edu

On-Campus Housing Available

Yes

In-State Tuition

$4,330

Out-of-State Tuition

$13,927

Selectivity

Highly Selective

Enrollment

9,429

Students

Full-Time Undergrad Students
7,130
Freshman Class
1,224
Total Students (Undergrads & Graduate Students)
9,429

Undergraduate vs. Graduate

Undergraduate
75%
Graduate
25%

Full-Time vs. Part-time Students

Full-Time
99%
Part-Time
1%

Students Coming From In-State vs. Out-of-State

In-State
91%
Out-of-State
9%

Gender of Students

Women
51%
Men
49%

Ethnic Diversity

African-American
6%
Caucasian
85%
Latino
1%
Other
8%

Students State Origin

North Carolina
91%
Georgia
2%
Virginia
1%
Other
6%

International Students

International
3%
Domestic
97%