Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the Western Carolina University is known to be one of the best not only in the system of the University of North Carolina (UNC system), but also in the US. It is a legacy educational institution, with extravagant infrastructure and a well-built network of alumni students across the world. Thus, it is one of the most pioneer universities in the USA.

Western Carolina University Campus

WCU has a strong student body inclusive of more than 12,000 students, out of which close to 10,000 are undergraduate students. With a majority of women on campus, the demographic is rather younger and is young (18-24).

Western Carolina University Rankings

The following are the rankings given out by US News on a national level.

  • Regional Universities South: #23
  • Top Public Schools: #10
  • Best Value Schools: #14

Western Carolina University Programs

WCU has a holistic approach towards education, and thus, students are allowed to learn from and experience programs other than the one they are pursuing. 

  • College of Arts and Sciences (Humanities): Some of the prominent courses are chosen in the sub-disciplines of English, Political Science and Geosciences.
  • College of Business: Finance, Sports Management, and Innovation Leadership are some game-changing programs offered by this college.
  • College of Education and Allied Professions: HR, Psychology, and Education courses are highlighted here.
  • College of Engineering and Technology: The university aims to offer a rather practical course of Engineering, Technology and Construction Management.
  • David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts: Distinguished programs are selected by a vast majority in the fields of Art and Design, Music and Stage and Screen.
  • College of Health and Human Sciences: Courses in relation to medical sciences such as Communication Sciences, Environmental Health, etc.

Western Carolina University Campus

Set in a picturesque landscape, WCU’s main campus is situated in Cullowhee in North Carolina, and is spread across an expansive area of 600 acres. The infrastructure developed for the students is able to support their processing of learning, both in and across subjects. The universities houses 2 campuses:

  • Main campus: Located in Cullowhee, this campus is the hub of all university events. It is well-equipped, in the sense that it houses a round-the-clock cafeteria, 13 residence halls, library, jogging trails, sports fields, etc. The major highlights of the campus include its Student Recreation Center, Alumni Tower, Center for Applied Technology, etc.
  • Biltmore Park: Famously known as the ‘Asheville campus’, some of the important courses, including most of the post-graduate courses are offered in this campus.

Western Carolina University Housing

  • One can choose from a range of residence halls housed at the WCU campus some of which are Buchanan Hall, Harrill Hall, Madison Hall, etc. In totality, there are 14 of them.
  • All residence halls are equipped with adequate amenities such as high-speed internet, wholesome food in dining halls, electronics in the dorm rooms, etc.
  • Also, any WCU student below the age of 21 has to compulsorily reside at the residence halls on campus.
  • Off campus housing facilities are also available in the USA.

Western Carolina University Admission Process

Given below are the admission requirements as per the university

Admission Portal: University’s Official Website

Admission Fee: 65 USD

Deadlines:

Fall Semester April 1
Spring semester September 1
Summer semester February 1

Academic Requirements:

  • Undergraduate Applicants:
  • English Language requirements : TOEFL (IBT) - 68 / IELTS - 6.0 bands
  • Minimum standardised scores required: SAT - 880 / ACT - 18

Graduate applications:

  • Application portal: University’s Official Website 
  • Application fee: 65 USD
  • Academic Requirements
    • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (scanned/electronic/unofficial transcripts from the corresponding college), evaluation of accepted foreign credential evaluation service (only for international students)
    • Standardised tests (GRE/GMAT)
    • Language proficiency tests: TOEFL - 550 / IELTS - 6.0 bands.

Western Carolina University Cost of Attendance

Given below is the estimated cost of attendance.

Expenses UG (USD) Graduate (USD)
Tuition and Fees 5452 10224
Residence Hall 2514 3587
Meal Plan 2212.76 1728.59
Residential Tech Fee 89 89

Western Carolina University Financial Aid for International Students

  • Financial aid provided by universities helps students to a great extent. On the same lines, WCU aims to provide a comprehensive scheme in order to put forward economic help to students who not only require it, but also deserve it.
  • This works very well in favour of international students, who need to fulfil certain criteria in order to be eligible for the same.
Scholarships Amount (USD)
WCU Tuition Grant Need based grant of up-to 1,000
Chancellor’s Series scholarship Amount varies with merit
Graduate Excellence Awards Amount ranges from 2,500-5,000
Kendall W. King Scholarship Fund Amount varies

Alternatively, a student can also go for other scholarships in the USA.

Western Carolina University Notable Alumni

  • Over time, since its inception in 1893, the members of the Alumni association have successfully collected over 250,000 USD as part of the Scholarship Fund maintained by them.
  • Continuous engagement activities take place across 30 alumni clubs and societies. Some examples are Professional Development Programs, Corporation for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Millennial Initiative are some of the programmes that let alumni and students connect for the benefit of both.
  • Famous personalities, belonging to a variety of fields of expertise, are part of this group such as Willie Williams, Rachel Reilly, Paul Johnson, etc.

Western Carolina University Placement

In order to secure a placement, a student is required to appear for advanced placement exams, which would then be converted to credits. The requirement of the credits varies from course to course. More information is given at References.