Government-Verified Education Data

Western Carolina University

Q: How much does Western Carolina University cost?

In-state tuition is $4,532 and out-of-state tuition is $8,532 per year.

Q: What do Western Carolina University graduates earn?

The median earnings 5 years after graduation is $43,085 and 10 years after is $49,458.

Q: What percentage of students at Western Carolina University take federal loans?

43.6% of students take out federal loans.

Q: What is the enrollment at Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University has a total enrollment of 9,867 students (public institution). That is about 6× the national median of 1,556 students for U.S. degree-granting institutions.

Q: How much is out-of-state tuition at Western Carolina University?

Out-of-state tuition at Western Carolina University is $8,532 per year, compared with $4,532 for in-state students — a difference of $4,000. That is 68% below the national median of $26,585 for out-of-state tuition nationally.

Q: What SAT score do you need to get into Western Carolina University?

Admitted students at Western Carolina University typically score between 1080 and 1270 on the SAT (middle 50%), with an average composite score of 1157. Reading/writing range: 560–660; math range: 520–610.

Q: What ACT score do you need to get into Western Carolina University?

The middle 50% of admitted students at Western Carolina University score between 19 and 25 on the ACT.

Q: How do Western Carolina University graduates' earnings compare to the national median?

Graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry — 9% below the national median of $54,122 across 1,889 U.S. institutions in the College Scorecard. That is higher than 41% of ranked U.S. colleges.

Cullowhee, North Carolina · Public

Compare ROI Analysis

Avg Earnings (5yr)

$43,085

Acceptance Rate

87%

Graduation Rate

60%

Annual Tuition

$4,532

Quick answer

According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry — 9% below the national median. Acceptance rate 86.7%, average SAT score 1157, in-state tuition $4,532.

At a Glance

Total Students

9,867

Retention Rate

76%

Faculty Ratio

Financial Aid

44%

Median Debt

$21,868

Campus Setting

Town

Institution Type

Public

Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores

Average SAT Score

1,157

SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)

560–660

SAT Math (middle 50%)

520–610

ACT Composite (middle 50%)

19–25

Institution Overview

Western Carolina University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 86.7%. The university enrolls 9,867 students. The average in-state tuition is $4,532. The university's retention rate is 75.5%, and the graduation rate is 59.8%.

One year after graduation, the median earnings are $40,015. Five years after graduation, median earnings are $43,085, and ten years after graduation, they are $49,458. The median debt for graduates is $21,868, and 43.6% of students receive financial aid.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Earning Projection Over Time

$40k

1 YEAR

$43k

5 YEARS

$49k

10 YEARS

Top 59% in Earnings

Graduate Outcomes

One year after graduation, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median salary of $40,015. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $43,085. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $49,458. The median debt for graduates is $21,868.

Western Carolina University has an 86.7% acceptance rate. The graduation rate is 59.8%, and the retention rate is 75.5%. The in-state tuition is $4,532. A total of 43.6% of students receive financial aid.