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Western Carolina University: Overview, Rankings, Fees & Courses, Placements
600 acre campus- Estd. 1889
About Western Carolina University
Located in Cullowhee, USA, Western Carolina University is a public university which was established in the year 1889. The university has 1 campus, named Western Carolina University Campus. With 6 departments under its umbrella, the university offers 21 courses under 8 streams named as Animation, Design and Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ). These courses are offered within 10 specialzations, namely, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Environmental Sciences.
Over 13 courses of undergraduate level are offered by the University including base courses such as B.Sc., B.E. / B.Tech, BBA and B.A., with a duration of 4 years. Additionally, the University also offers 8 courses of postgraduate level which are MBA/PGDM, MS, MPA, M.A. and MFA, with a duration of 16 months to 3 years.
It is important to consider fee component as an international student if planning to study abroad. The first year tuition fee for this University UG courses is USD 8,532 - 8,880. While on the contrary for Graduate courses is USD 18,595 - 20,395 without including the cost of accommodation which is USD 9,213 - 11,764.
As part of the university application process, the students have to fulfil some minimum requirements and have a valid score in entrance/language exams for example IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE and GMAT. In order to successfully submit an application, the students are also expected to submit the mentioned documents including LOR, Essay and CV, etc.
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
In order to secure an admission, all the international students must fulfill the Western Carolina University admission requirements listed below:
1) Undergraduate Requirements:
- Official high school transcripts (English translation);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Proof of finances; and
- Immunization information form.
2) Graduate Requirements:
- Official college/university transcripts (English translation);
- Letters of recommendation (LOR);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Resume/CV;
- GMAT/GRE score; and
- Immunization information form.
Western Carolina University has its main campus in Cullowhee and operates two satellite campuses in Asheville and Cherokee. 600+ acres in size, the main campus consists of well-maintained buildings, athletic facilities, pathways, green lawns, and parking spaces.
It features 17 residence halls that accommodate over 4,500 students. A full-service cafeteria and two food courts with various fast-food outlets serve a variety of cuisines and beverages to suit different tastes. Other on-campus facilities include a bookstore, health, and counseling center, movie theatre, post office, student support center, jogging trail, recreation center, tennis courts, and two indoor swimming pools.
Also, the university has over 170 clubs and organizations that focus on academic, social and personal interests like public speaking, sports, dance, and music. Several sororities and fraternities encourage participation in various events and activities to promote cultural unity and friendships. WCU has 16 men's and women's varsity teams, who represent the university in intercollegiate events and competitions under the name Catamounts.
Overall, the Western Carolina University campus life is full of cultures, traditions, diversity, entertainment, and more.
International students who wish to study graduate programme at Western Carolina University must have at least GPA of 3.0 on ascale of 4.0. Admission to any graduate programme at WCU requires a GPA score. Applicants also meet the general entry requirements to get admission to the university.
Western Carolina University Ranking 2025
Western Carolina University is a globally renowned university and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, Western Carolina University ranking is #277 at the national level.
The university is also ranked by US News and World Report at #227 in 2024 for the National University Ranking category, showing an improved trend this year when compared with the previous year. In 2023, this ranking was recorded as #263.
Western Carolina University is well-ranked at the national level. The course ranking for BBA according to Shiksha Popularity Ranking stands at #317 in 2025. Shiksha Popularity Ranking is a ranking system that simplifies your journey of choosing the best university for studying abroad. It aggregates ranks of some of the top ranking bodies with a clear number nationally both at university and course level.
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Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Western Carolina University is one of the best universities in USA and attracts bright minds from all over the world. Listed below are some of the benefits of attending the university:
- Strong academic reputation;
- Affordable tuition fees;
- Inclusive and diverse community of students;
- Variety of generous scholarships and grants offered;
- Safe surroundings;
- Exceptional sports/recreation facilities; and
- Strong economy and job market in USA.
Western Carolina University Courses
Planning to study at Western Carolina University? You can opt from 21 courses offered by the university at PG and UG level. These courses are offered in 8 streams such as Animation, Design and Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) as part of its curriculum. Based on their interests, students can pursue these courses in some of the university’s popular specialisations, which are Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Environmental Sciences.
The 13 courses at UG level include B.Sc., B.E. / B.Tech, BBA and B.A., offered for a duration of 4 years. At the graduate level, there are 8 courses available for students. These include MBA/PGDM, MS, MPA, M.A. and MFA. The graduate courses can be completed in 16 months to 3 years.
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Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
At the Western Carolina University, international students can choose between 115 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs, across leading disciplines of study. As per the data of the enrollment, the top Western Carolina courses are:
| Incarnate Word Majors | Percentage of Graduates (2022) |
|---|---|
| Business Administration & Management | 10% |
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 9.1% |
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies | 5.4% |
| Psychology | 4.7% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences | 4.6% |
| Marketing/Marketing Management | 3.5% |
| Biology/Biological Sciences | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 3.3% |
| Emergency Medical Technology/Technician | 3.3% |
| Elementary Education & Teaching | 3% |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the best courses offered by the Western Carolina University. It is taught by academically qualified Ph.D. faculty and students get to indulge activitely with the help of tours, internships, and guest speakers, and more.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 16 - 32 months |
| Annual Fee | INR 17 L |
Accreditation | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) |
Specializations | Accounting, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Entrepreneurship, Health Care Administration, Non-profit Management, Professional and Technical Writing, Project Management, Sport Management, etc.
|
In order to pursue the Western Carolina University MBA, all the applicants must fulfill the eligibility criteria listed below:
- Official academic transcripts (English translation);
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university;
- Goal statement: Applicants must talk about their interest in the university's MBA program, their professional and/or personal goals and how they expect the MBA programme will help them achieve their goals;
- Undergraduate GRE 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher;
- GMAT href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/lor-recommendation-letter-applycontent2702" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Letter of recommendation (LOR);
- Proof of English language proficiency;
- Minimum 450 GMAT score;
- Minimum 300 GRE score.
Note: Standardized test score may be waived for those applicants holding a master’s degree or have certain work experience, as per the program's requirements.
Graduate Assistant Application Deadline: Apr 1, 2025 (Fall Intake).
Western Carolina University Admission 2025
The Western Carolina University admission for international students has varied eligibility criteria depending on the level of the course and field of study. Students can apply directly through the official website of the university. Additionally, students need to submit specific documents as per the department of their interest. The general documents that are required at Western Carolina University for the international students are LOR, Essay, CV. Students also need to pay an application fee of USD 65 to be eligible for the selection purpose.
Additionally, when submitting the online form, international students also need to submit their English language test scores as recommended by the university; tests including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT.
While the university has various deadlines for submission of application, timely application can help you gain advantage over others.
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Western Carolina University accepts international applications either through the Common Application or the ApplyTexas website for Bachelor's courses and Graduate Application portal for Master's courses. Once a candidate has applied to the university and submitted all the required documents, it takes the university about 2 weeks to evaluate applications and send out the admission offers. Students must note that they need to fulfill all the Western Carolina entry requirements in order to get admitted in the university.
Western Carolina University allows overseas candidates to apply for admissions in three intake seasons: Summer, Fall, and Spring. Given below are the Western Carolina application deadlines for international students:
Intake Season | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
Spring | Oct 1, 2024 |
Fall | Feb 1, 2025 |
Summer | Apr 1, 2025 |
Yes, Western Carolina charges an application fee of USD 55 (INR 5.4 K) for admissions. Since the Western Carolina University application fee is non-refundable, applicants do not receive any refund even if they withdraw the application. While applying for Western Carolina admissions, students must pay the above listed amount.
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.32
WCUWestern Carolina University Scholarships 2024
Western Carolina University does not offer any scholarships to international students as the scholarships are only for permanent citizens of the United States. In order to study in the university, overseas applicants on F-1 and/or J-1 visas have to prove that they have sufficient funds to pay for their program fees. Students can submit official bank statements for proof of finances.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of scholarships for international students offered by external agencies and philanthropists. Indian students can avail some scholarships to study in USA, in order to fund the heavy expenses of studying abroad. Some of them are:
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
No, Western Carolina University does not offer any scholarships for their international students. Before getting enrolled in the university, all the overseas applicants are required to submit their proof of sufficient funds for the entire course of study. It is interesting to note that a range of scholarships for international students are offered by external agencies and philanthropists. Also, Indian students can avail one of the following scholarships in order to reduce the expensive cost of studying in USA:
Annual tuition fee required to pursue a degree course at Western Carolina University is around 15 L on an average, which can be considered expensive as a study abroad option. Students can refer to the table for course-specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 17 L |
MS (4 courses) | INR 16 L |
B.Sc. (5 courses) | INR 7 L |
B.A. (1 course) | INR 7 L |
B.E. / B.Tech (5 courses) | INR 7 L |
BBA (2 courses) | INR 7 L |
M.A. (1 course) | INR 16 L |
MFA (1 course) | INR 16 L |
MPA (1 course) | INR 16 L |
Western Carolina University offers numerous scholarships to International students according to their eligibility. In addition, WCU’s scholarship support staff works to connect students with state-administered scholarship opportunities and others. Western Carolina University scholarships are available in three categories:
- Donor Supported Scholarships
- Academic Scholarships
- Graduate Students
4 yearsWestern Carolina University Placements
As per the data sourced from the web, the alumni of Western Carolina are currently working with some of the top organizations in the world across multiple industries. Listed below are the details:
- Western Carolina University alumni members are working at the university campus, and in organizations such as Wells Fargo, Atrium Health, Lowe's Companies, Novant Health, Duke Energy Corporation, etc.
- Graduates are working in industries such as Operations, Education, Business Development, Healthcare Services, Sales, etc.
- Some of the courses preferred by the alumni are , , , A etc.
A presentation of the sectors where the alumni of Harvard is currently working is as follows:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Truist, HCA Healthcare, North Carolilna State University, Amazon, UNC Health, First Citizens, and Fidelity Investments.
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Admissions at Western Carolina University are not highly competitive in 2024 as out of 100 applications the university accepts around 83. The WCU acceptance rate is 83% for the fall of 2023-24. Mentioned below are the Western Carolina University enrollment statistics for UG:
Particulars | Stats 2023-2024 |
Application Received | 19,234 |
Admitted Students | 16,014 |
Total Students Enrolled | 2,118 |
Yield Rate | 13.2% |
Acceptance Rate | 83.26% |
Western Carolina University Fees
The Western Carolina University is one of the best public universities in USA. The cost of studying may vary from one program to another, depending on the specialization of choice and duration of the program. The Western Carolina University first-year tuition fees for undergraduate programs is USD 8,532 - 8,880. Moreover, the postgraduate program cost at Western Carolina University is USD 18,595 - 20,395, annually.
International students must also consider factors such as meals, housing, groceries, and more while considering a university. The Western Carolina University cost of living is USD 9,213 - 11,764.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
B.E. / B.Tech(5 courses) | INR 8 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 75 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(1 course) | INR 18 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 16-32 months Exam Accepted: GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 56 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
MFA(1 course) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 56 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
B.A.(1 course) | INR 8 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 75 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
B.Sc.(5 courses) | INR 8 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 75 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
BBA(2 courses) | INR 8 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 75 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above |
MS(4 courses) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18-24 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 80, PTE: 56 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, GRE |
M.A.(1 course) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 56 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
MPA(1 course) | INR 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 56 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Yes, meeting the English language requirements is one of the major Western Carolina University eligibility criteria for international students. It accepts major English exam scores as proof of English language proficiency. Students can refer to the table below for minimum score requirements:
English Proficiency Exam | UG Minimum Score Requirements | PG Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Overall score of 75 or higher | Overall score of 79 or higher | |
Overall score of 6.0 or higher (with no less than 5.0 in each band) | Overall score of 6.5 or higher (with no less than 6.0 in each band) | |
Overall score of 50 or higher | Overall score of 56 or higher | |
880 or higher | - | |
18 or higher | - |
Studying in the Western Carolina University can be considered affordable for Indian students as the cost sums up to be around INR 15 L on an average. Students can refer to the table for course-specific fees requirements:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 17 L |
B.Sc. (5 courses) | INR 7 L |
MBA/PGDM (1 course) | INR 7 L |
M.A. (1 course) | INR 16 L |
MPA (1 course) | INR 16 L |
Applicants who wish to enroll at WCU to study UG and PG degrees must meet the entry requirements for Western Carolina University admission. They also meet the WCU English requirements to complete the application. International students must have a high school or its equivalent degree to enroll at WCU UG degree and a bachelor’s degree to apply for Western Carolina graduate admission. Mentioned below are the Western Carolina University requirements for UG admissions:
WCU UG admission requirements:
- Submit an official high school transcript (or its equivalent) at the time of application and before WCU application deadlines.
- Students have the option to submit an ACT or SAT test score
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Application essay
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
WCUStudent profile
Others
83%
Hispanic
7%
Black
6%
Asian
1%
In state
80%
Out of state
19%
24 and under
78%
25 and over
21%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Western Carolina University Notable Alumni
Western Carolina University has a remarkable alumni network that further adds to its rising popularity. It has proved conducive to launching the dreams of many notable personalities. Some of the well-known names include:
| Name of the Personality | Designation |
|---|---|
| Bobbi Baker | Actress |
| Dean Biasucci | Former Athlete |
| Sean Bridgers | Actor, Director, Producer & Writer |
| Rich Hall | Writer & Comedian |
| Jeanne Jolly | Song Writer & Singer |
| David Joy | Author |
| Tony Jones | Former Football Player |
| Kevin Martin | Retired Basketball Player |
| Mary Cordell Nesbitt | American Politician |
| Geno Segers | Actor & Former Rugby Player |
| Matt Stillwell | Country Musician |
| J. T. Poston | American Golfer |
| Henry Logan | Award-Winning Athlete |
WCUCollege comparison
Compare WCU with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 7.66 L - 7.88 L | #257 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 7.28 L | -/- | |
| INR 9.14 L | -/- | |
| INR 15.29 L - 15.78 L | -/- | |
| INR 2.82 L - 4.98 L | -/- | |
| INR 7.85 L | -/- |
CompareWCUStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Western Carolina University Campus Life
The Western Carolina University offers an exclusive and dynamic experience to the students because of its academic, social, cultural diversity and excellence. The university is located in Cullowhee, USA and has different clubs or societies. The university's main campus is Western Carolina University Campus. The main campus is spread in an area of 600 acres.
Furthermore, the Western Carolina University provides modern facilities and advanced technologies that help the student to experience the real-world application of their study and understand the latest technologies.
The university also promotes various athletic, social and arts clubs and organisations that help students build a strong 360-degree portfolio.
WCU FAQs
Western Carolina University is a moderately competitive university to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at 85%. This figure tells us that almost 85 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the university, which is more than half of all the applicants. Therefore, once an applicant fulfills Western Carolina University admission requirements i.e.; competitive grades, standardized test scores, English language requirements as well as relevant documents, they are most likely to secure an admission in the university. However, students must not take this lightly and apply to the university within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.
Western Carolina University is one of the best universities in USA and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first semester in the university:
- Academic Routine: Build a practical routine for studies and make use of the academic resources offered by the university.
- Connect with Faculty: Students must build a healthy relationship with professors and is helpful with studies as well as job opportunities.
- Co-curricular Activities: Participate in events, clubs, trips, community organization, volunteering and more.
- Gym & Fitness: Fitness freaks can make use of the equipment at the university in order to build a healthy routine for themselves.
- Planning Finances: Since studying abroad is expensive, students must plan their budget and invest/spend their money mindfully while studying in the university.
WCU
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a year ago
Submitting ACT or SAT scores is optional for undergraduate admission at WCU. International First-year applicants have an option to submit either the SAT or the ACT score. The UNC Board of Governors voted to extend the current testing waiver for students applying for admissions through Fall 2024. The
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
The Western Carolina University application fee for UG and PG application is USD 65 or INR 5,415.78. International students who wish to study at the university must pay a non-refundable application fee.
(USD 1 = INR 83.32 as on 29-May-2024)
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
Applicants can apply for WCU admission online through official website. Mentioned below is the Western Carolina University application process for UG admission:
WCU application process for UG admission:
Step 1: Create an account to submit your undergraduate application for admission
Step 2: Submit offi
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
WCU recieves 17,916 applications in 2022-23 which increases to 19,234 in 2023-24. Mentioned below are the Western Carolina University enrollment statistics for UG:
Particulars | Stats 2022-2023 | Stats 2023-2024 |
Application Received | 17,916 | 19,234 |
Admitted Students | 15,203 | 16,014 |
Acceptance Rate | 84.86% | 83.26% |
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a year ago
Western Carolina admission requirements varies as per the course or programme for International students. Mentioned below are the Western Carolina University requirements for International students:
WCU UG admission requirements:
- Submit an official high school transcript (or its equivalent) at the tim
Contributor-Level 9
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| University City | Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA |
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1 University Way, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, United States
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