Western Carolina University (WCU) is the westernmost institution in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It is the fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the University of North Carolina system. WCU caters to education to students from over 40 countries and attracts them to explore the region’s vast natural diversity. It provides extensive educational opportunities to more than 12,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

When was Western Carolina University Established?

Western Carolina University was founded in the year 1889.

Where is Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC, just over 50 miles west of Asheville.

Western Carolina University Accreditations

Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. 

Education at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University offers 120+ undergraduate degrees, majors, and minors. 40+ graduate degrees and certificates. WCU is proud to offer quality academic programs including nationally recognized degree programs in fields such as nursing, education, forensic science, emergency management, entrepreneurship, engineering, project management, natural resources conservation, and much more.

Western Carolina University Highlights

Western Carolina University is a public regional institution of higher education whose mission is to create learning opportunities that incorporate teaching, research, service, and engagement through on-campus, off-campus, online and international experiences. Given below are some of the highlights of Western Carolina University:

Why Choose Western Carolina University?

Western Carolina University focuses its undergraduate, master’s, and three doctoral programs, educational outreach, research, creative, and cultural activities to sustain and improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in Western Carolina and beyond. Given below are some of the reasons for the students to choose Western Carolina University for their higher education in the USA:

• Western Carolina University has been consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 public regional institutions in the South.
• WCU’s student body is comprised of more than 12,000 students including more than 10,500 undergraduate students.
• More than 21% of students self-identify as part of a racial minority group and 75% of students are between the ages of 18 and 24.
• WCU's 64% of all classes have fewer than 30 students, and the student/faculty ratio is 17 to 1.
• 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.
• Approximately 83 percent of WCU students receive some form of financial aid.

Schools/ Colleges at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses through the different colleges that form an integral part of WCU. These colleges have courses in various areas of study such as arts, business, education, computer and technology, healthcare, etc. with each college having a central home on campus where students in similar disciplines learn and collaborate. The colleges of WCU are listed below:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Education and Allied Professions
• College of Engineering and Technology
• David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts
• College of Health and Human Sciences

Faculties/ Departments at Western Carolina University

WCU is a university where students, faculty, staff, and alumni learn to pursue excellence, live with compassion and be leaders. Each faculty is highly qualified and offers excellent education. It offers 160+ academic programs at the undergraduate, master's, and certificate courses through six colleges. Some of the academic departments under Western Carolina University are given below:

Financial Aid at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University is committed to making higher education achievable for students. They have earned numerous accolades for providing quality education at an incredible value. Around 70% of undergraduate students receive one or more financial aid including grants, scholarships, and/or student loans each year. The average financial aid amount is $6,218, and 88% of newly enrolled students received financial aid last year. 

Scholarships or grants are offered to deserving students based that is determined by financial need. Western Carolina University offers numerous scholarships, both need and merit-based, supporting a wide variety of student types and fields of study. Some of the financial aid options available to international students at WCU are as follows:

• WCU Tuition Grant
• Chancellor’s Series scholarship
• Graduate Excellence Awards
• Kendall W. King Scholarship Fund

Student Services at Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University provides several student services including academic/career counseling & wellness, employment for students, and placement services for completers. In addition, the school has an on-campus daycare center for its students, staff, and faculty. It has its own libraries on its campus. Some of the services offered at WCU include:

• Residential Living
• Campus Activities
• Campus Dining
• Campus Recreation & Wellness
• Counseling & Psychological Services
• Health Services
• Greek Student Engagement
• Intercultural Affairs
• Student Activities Calendar
• Student Community Ethics
• Academic/ Career Counseling Service