Western Carolina University Description:
Western Carolina University is a public university and member of the University of North Carolina system. WCU's 600-acre campus is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, about an hour west of Asheville and near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains. Undergraduates can choose from about 220 majors and concentrations, and the university takes pride in its small class sizes -- WCU has a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio and an average class size of 19. Professional programs in business, education and criminal justice are both popular and well-regarded. One of the university's most notable student groups is the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band with its nearly 350 members. On the athletic front, the Western Carolina Catamounts compete in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference.
Admissions Data (2011):
- Percent of Applicants Admitted: 39%
- What Are Your Chances? (from Cappex.com)
- Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
- SAT Critical Reading: 470 / 560
- SAT Math: 480 / 570
- SAT Writing: 440 / 530
- ACT Composite: 19 / 24
- ACT English: 18 / 24
- ACT Math: 18 / 24
- ACT Writing: 5 / 7
Enrollment (2010):
- Total Enrollment: 9,407 (7,503 undergraduates)
- Gender Breakdown: 47% Male / 53% Female
- 84% Full-time
Costs (2011 - 12):
- Tuition and Fees: $5,387 (in-state); $14,984 (out-of-state)
- Books: $2,024 (why so much?)
- Room and Board: $6,650
- Other Expenses: $2,686
- Total Cost: $16,747 (in-state); $26,344 (out-of-state)
Western Carolina University Financial Aid (2009 - 10):
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 83%
- Western Carolina Scholarships (Cappex.com)
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
- Grants: 66%
- Loans: 59%
- Average Amount of Aid
- Grants: $6,262
- Loans: $4,973
Most Popular Majors:
Biology, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Construction Engineering, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, History, Marketing, Nursing, Psychology
Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates:
- First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 74%
- Transfer Out Rate: 25%
- 4-Year Graduation Rate: 28%
- 6-Year Graduation Rate: 51%
Data Source:
National Center for Educational Statistics
Western Carolina University Mission Statement:
mission statement from the official WCU websit
"Western Carolina University creates engaged learning opportunities that incorporate teaching, research and service through residential, distance education and international experiences. The university focuses its academic programs, educational outreach, research and creative activities, and cultural activities to improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in the region, state and nation."
