Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Western Carolina University is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley in proximity to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The university’s rich, 129-year history is rooted in providing quality and rigorous academic programs that serve the students of the region and beyond. The natural scenic beauty of the campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina, provides an ideal study environment that also affords students the opportunity to apply their learning in real settings through service-learning and community engagement, highly selective internships, and rich campus programs.
With over 11,000 students, Western Carolina University offers a diverse array of approximately 150 academic majors at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including award-winning programs in education, business, health, sciences, and the humanities. The university’s engaged, rich network of partnerships has helped it earn a spot on the U.S. President’s Honor Roll for Higher Education in Community Service as well as the select list of institutions recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching’s Community Engagement designation. WCU provides every student the opportunity to succeed by offering a strong array of services that promote excellence, including research opportunities, work-study programs, hundreds of extracurricular activities, and upper-level internships and capstone experiences.
Western Carolina was last a College of Distinction in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Get to know Western Carolina University
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Marching band
- Model UN
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Television station
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Veteran Services
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
- Gender & Sexuality Center
College Highlights
STUDY ABROAD
With so many options for both the locations and lengths of time to study abroad, WCU students are sure to find the travel experience that’s perfect for them. Universities that are partnered with WCU welcome students with open arms, immersing them in the coursework and culture of the institutions abroad. WCU can send students directly to more than 30 institutions throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and even the Caribbean. WCU is also proud to be one of more than 300 universities in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a network of schools that exchange students at the most efficient prices possible.
LIBERAL STUDIES
Every WCU bachelor’s degree is a symbol not only of a student’s mastery of his or her major, but also of a student’s deep understanding of a wide range of disciplines. All undergraduate students supplement their education with a core curriculum that covers topics in writing, math, communication, wellness, and the physical and biological sciences. These foundational courses set up students for success, strengthening their communication and critical-thinking skills through a variety of contexts.
In addition to the Liberal Studies core requirements is a set of Perspectives courses, which include upper-level material that challenges students to think outside of their selected academic majors. More than simple introductory courses, the Perspectives courses push students to grasp unfamiliar topics in varied disciplines, broadening their worldviews and helping them to become inquisitive, lifelong learners.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Fewer things are more valuable than putting one’s skills to the test through the systematic process of discovery. Thanks to WCU’s strong supply of resources and faculty support, every student has the opportunity to participate in fascinating research projects. These efforts are greatly recognized each year at WCU’s campus-wide Undergraduate Research Exposition, a festival of engaging research presentations that is attended by hundreds of students and dozens of faculty. Not only do students get to present their research to their peers and professors at the Expo, but many students also have the honor of taking their findings to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This prestigious honor is not uncommon for WCU students; Western Carolina University has consistently ranked among the top 10 for the number of student projects taken to NCUR since 2006.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 151 | 10-19: 248 | 20-29: 467
30-39: 324 | 40-49: 233 | 50-99: 53 | 100+: 7
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 141
Hispanic/Latino: 760
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 519
White, non-Hispanic: 8,140
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 87
Asian, non-Hispanic: 114
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 4
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 391
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 135
TOTAL: 10,291
FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR
Western Carolina University introduces its students to college through a dynamic set of courses that orient them to the style of collegiate coursework. As part of the Liberal Studies Program, First-Year Seminars integrate students into the college lifestyle while exposing them to topics across a variety of academic disciplines. The courses offered vary each semester, but they are always guaranteed to include exciting and interesting material. Seminar topics include “Black Death to Bioterrorism,” “A User’s Guide to Mass Media,” “Crimes and Criminals,” and “Creative Writing.” First-Year Seminar professors are passionate about the subjects they teach as well as the students whom they get to introduce to WCU. They ensure that their class environments are friendly, comfortable, and intellectually stimulating.
WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
Because communication is a crucial part of every major, WCU’s Liberal Studies Program includes a core writing component for all students to refine their composition skills. In ENGL 101, “Writing and Rhetoric,” students learn the fundamentals of college-level writing. Through class assignments, readings, and discussions, every student finds his or her voice as a confident writer.
In ENGL 202, students learn how to apply their writing skills in scholarly and research-based contexts. This course, “Writing and Critical Inquiry,” helps develop the art of developing complex arguments through synthesizing of academic literature.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Cooperative education program
Distance learning
Double major
Dual enrollment
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
WCU offers multiple learning and living-learning communities for students throughout their entire time at college. Learning Communities facilitate students’ connection to their community by linking them to other students who take the same series of classes. These courses are linked by a network of faculty who collaborate on topics, teaching techniques, student performance, and a variety of common elements, tying together students’ education with a common thread. Participants in Learning Communities often live together in specialized residence halls that help keep close friends close by. Examples of the Learning Communities at WCU include WHEE Teach, a group of students who work together to grow as future teachers through educational service-learning, and the Ripple Effect, an initiative that analyzes the big, world-wide effects that can come from small acts. To really grasp an understanding of large social change, the Ripple Effect culminates with an international excursion to London, Paris, and Munich.
ADVENTURE, CULTURE, AND FUN
Western North Carolina is bursting at the seams with natural beauty. With such a diverse ecosystem in their backyard, WCU students have endless opportunities to hike, fish, camp, canoe, and so much more. The Tuckaseigee River has smooth waters for kayaking as well as rushing streams for whitewater rafting. The nearby city of Sapphire is made of beautiful valleys that are aching to welcome adventurous skiers. No matter their desire, WCU students can get their fill of their favorite outdoor activity.
WCU’s surroundings are not only beautiful, but they also act as a hub for cultural events and activities. Jackson County hosts a variety of events each year, including Mountain Heritage celebrations and sustainability festivals. A community of fine arts performance centers also complement the thriving creative community of the area.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
WCU’s campus is alive with events that greatly extend the university’s value beyond its classrooms. More than 200 student organizations fill campus with activities and events with a focus on such topics as the arts, athletics, spirituality, personal growth and health, and numerous other interests. With the help of the Department of Campus Activities, which hosts a variety of trips, concerts, and other social events, students are sure to find their place at WCU.
SCHOOL LOCATION
In addition to Cullowhee’s scenic and resource rich location in western North Carolina, WCU’s residential campus is less than an hour’s drive West of Asheville, NC, a city that is consistently included on any list of “most desirable places” to visit and live. Inviting, historic towns with vibrant community and cultural offerings are located within a few minutes’ drive of Cullowhee. Additionally, outdoor pursuits are a natural part of the landscape, with hiking, water recreation (including fly fishing and boating), and scenic drives being major attractions. Charlotte and Atlanta are less than a three-hour drive away, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians’ reservation is approximately 30 minutes from Cullowhee.
ATHLETICS
Purple and gold, Catamounts, the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, and the Purple Thunder drum line are elements of varsity athletics at Western Carolina University. Sportsmanship and academic excellence are core values of the 300+ student-strong athletics program at WCU, and the university’s membership in the Southern Conference has afforded many opportunities to demonstrate those values.
The university fields 16 NCAA Division I teams, competing in football, baseball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s softball, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, and women’s tennis.
The Prove Your Purple campaign provides current students, alumni, community members, parents of current and prospective students, staff, and faculty with ways to support Division I catamount athletics. An array of intramural sports options such as ultimate, rugby, water polo, indoor climbing, disc golf, and table tennis, to name a few, also are available. The WCU mascot, Paws, is always available to cheer on the university’s student-athletes. Go Cats!
RESIDENCE LIFE
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Special housing for disabled students
Fraternity/sorority housing
Theme housing
Wellness housing
INTERNSHIPS
The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to helping every interested student find the internship that is the right fit. The center’s staff work individually with students, helping them find internships that match their future career goals, navigating the application processes, and preparing them for interviews with agencies and organizations. With internship experience, WCU students can gain academic credit while building their résumés and giving them life-changing experiences to help them apply their learning and find careers after graduation.
While there are countless internship opportunities in the surrounding cities of Western North Carolina, WCU gives students access to internship programs nationally as well as abroad in countries all across the world. Students can work in career-building jobs while studying abroad, giving them cross-cultural competence, well-rounded experience, and access to a strong, international network of professionals.
SERVICE- AND COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
Service- and community-based learning are hallmarks of an education earned at Western Carolina University. Students who enroll at WCU are afforded the opportunity to make a profound difference in their communities. The Center for Service-Learning is full of resources to connect students with philanthropic organizations that need their help, opening up the chance for students to live out the caring, community-conscious mission of their university. The center also organizes Days of Service, which rally students together to volunteer all around Western North Carolina, as well as Alternative Breaks, which take advantage of long weekends and holidays by transporting students all around the world for acts of meaningful service and learning.
FINISH IN FOUR
WCU’s Finish in Four initiative is the university’s pledge to provide every resource necessary for students to complete their degrees within four years. Students who pledge to Finish in Four commit to meeting with their advisers every semester in order to stay on track to finish their undergraduate requirements in a timely manner. Advisers then, in turn, may direct them toward extraordinarily helpful tutors and counselors or programs to ensure their success. No matter how much help a student may need, WCU guarantees a successful route to graduation to all who pledge to Finish in Four.
Admission
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Application closing date (fall): Mar. 1
Priority date: Nov. 15
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Class rank | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Important
Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability
Character/personal qualities | Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest
Considered
Interview | First generation | Geographical residence | State residency | Volunteer work
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 510 | 75th Percentile: 610
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 510 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 20 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 19 | 75th Percentile: 24
Tuition & Cost
Tuition (in-state): $1,000
Tuition (out-of-state): $5,000
Contact Western Carolina University
Contact Admissions
(828) 227-7317
admiss@wcu.edu
Campus Location
1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7211
