Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently
ranked as one of the Top 10 public regional institutions in the South.
Location
WCU’s main campus sits in Cullowhee, North Carolina, near the Great Smoky and Blue
Ridge mountains, fifty-two miles west of Asheville. The location in the rural mountains
amidst incredible biodiversity and unique communities creates an opportunity for academic
discovery service. The campus covers approximately 600 acres.
WCU also operates an instructional site at Biltmore Park Towne Square in Asheville,
where the university offers degree programs in nursing and engineering as well as
graduate programs in accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship, and education.
Enrollment
WCU’s student body is comprised of more than 12,000 students including more than 10,500
undergraduate students.
Approximately 57 percent of students are female and 43 percent male. More than 21
percent of students self-identify as part of a racial minority group. More than 75
percent of students are between the ages of 18 and 24.
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Academic Programs
WCU provides more than 115 undergraduate majors and concentrations and more than 40
graduate programs with a focus on high-demand degrees including a variety of programs
in engineering, science, healthcare, education, humanities, business and the arts.
Approximately 64 percent of all classes have fewer than 30 students, and the student/faculty
ratio is 17 to 1.
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Residence Life
More than 4,500 of WCU’s students live on campus in Cullowhee. The campus includes
13 residence buildings, including one for graduate students and one for married students.
Brinson Honors College students reside together in one of the central campus residence
halls, and Greek organizations have access to a group of townhouses known as The Village.
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Campus Dining
On-campus dining options include two cafeterias stocked from local farms along with multiple national brand options such
as Chick-Fil-A, Starbuck’s, Moe's Southwest Grill, Steak'n'Shake and others.
There are also Provisions On Demand and C-Stores which have a variety of fresh fruit, dairy, snacks, frozen entrees, and household and personal
items available for purchase.
DIG INTO DINING
Tuition and Fees
Western Carolina is committed to maintaining accessibility and works to keep costs
down while providing the absolute best quality education.
As an NC Promise campus, students receive the same high-quality education experience
for an even greater value.
Approximately 83 percent of WCU students receive some form of financial aid.
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NC Promise
As of Fall of 2018, all undergraduate students at WCU received reduced student tuition
costs as part of a new program from the State of North Carolina called NC Promise.
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Accreditations
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate,
masters, and doctorate degrees and holds 21 special program accreditations. WCU is also a member of more than 30 state and
national associations and organizations.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of Western Carolina.
Discover More About our Accreditations