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Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 15,912
  • Tuition Fee From$ 8,353
  • Country Rank#388
  • Batch Strength12,243
  • Global Diversity-
  • Gender Ratio-

Overview

About

Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Established in 1889 as a teacher's college, WCU has grown into a comprehensive university that offers more than 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

 

The university is comprised of six colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and Allied Professions, the College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Fine and Performing Arts, and the Honors College. WCU offers a wide range of academic programs, including programs in business, education, engineering, nursing, and the liberal arts.

 

WCU is known for its commitment to hands-on learning experiences for students. The university's curriculum emphasizes experiential learning opportunities, such as internships, co-op programs, and undergraduate research. WCU also offers a wide range of study abroad programs, giving students the opportunity to gain global perspectives and cross-cultural experience.

 

One of the university's standout programs is its nursing program, which is highly respected in the state of North Carolina. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as well as an RN to BSN program for registered nurses who want to advance their careers.

 

WCU is also known for its strong programs in the arts, including music, theatre, and visual arts. The university's School of Music offers programs in performance, music education, music theory and composition, and more. The university's Fine and Performing Arts Center features state-of-the-art facilities, including a concert hall, a theatre, and an art gallery.

Acceptance rate 40%

Ranking

Western Carolina University (WCU) has received recognition for its academic programs and value fromby several reputable organizations. Here are some of the university's rankings:

  • U.S. News & World Report: WCU is ranked #16 in the "Top Public Schools" category in the 2022 edition of the U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges rankings. The university is also ranked #42 in the "Regional Universities South" category and #28 in the "Best Colleges for Veterans" category.
  • Forbes: WCU is ranked #385 in Forbes' 2021 list of "America's Top Colleges." The university is also ranked #218 in the "Public Colleges" category and #114 in the "South" category.
  • Princeton Review: WCU is included in the Princeton Review's 2022 edition of "The Best 387 Colleges." The university is recognized for its hands-on learning opportunities and commitment to sustainability.
  • College Factual: According to College Factual's 2022 rankings, WCU is ranked #671 out of 1,715 colleges and universities in the United States. The university is also ranked #16 out of 51 schools in North Carolina in the "Best Colleges for the Money" category.

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

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Facilities

Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA. The university offers a variety of facilities for its students, faculty, and staff. Here are some of the facilities available at WCU:

 

Hunter Library: The Hunter Library is the main library on campus and offers a wide range of resources for students and faculty, including books, journals, and databases. The library also has study rooms, computer labs, and a printing center.

 

Ramsey Regional Activity Center: The Ramsey Regional Activity Center is the campus recreation center and provides fitness classes, intramural sports, and other recreational activities for students, faculty, and staff. The center also includes a swimming pool, gymnasium, and fitness center.

 

Health and Human Sciences Building: The Health and Human Sciences Building provides laboratory and classroom space for health and human sciences courses, as well as research opportunities for students and faculty. The building includes state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture halls, and research facilities.

 

John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center: The John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center is a performance venue on campus that hosts concerts, recitals, art exhibitions, and other events throughout the year. The center includes theaters, galleries, and studios for various arts disciplines.

 

Killian Building: The Killian Building provides classroom and laboratory space for various academic departments, including mathematics, computer science, and physics.

 

Natural Sciences Building: The Natural Sciences Building provides laboratory and classroom space for science courses, as well as research opportunities for students and faculty. The building includes state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture halls, and research facilities.

 

Campus Recreation and Wellness Center: The Campus Recreation and Wellness Center provides fitness classes, intramural sports, and other recreational activities for students, faculty, and staff. The center includes a climbing wall, indoor track, and fitness center.

 

Coulter Building: The Coulter Building provides classroom and laboratory space for various academic departments, including engineering and technology.

 

Catamount Athletic Complex: The Catamount Athletic Complex includes athletic facilities for various sports teams, including football, basketball, and track and field.

 

Residence Halls: WCU offers a variety of residence halls for students, including traditional dormitories, suite-style living, and apartment-style living.

Notable Alumni

Brad Hoover
Brad Hoover
Former American football Player
Rachel Reilly
Rachel Reilly
American TV personality
Rich Hall
Rich Hall
American Comedian

Courses

Admission

Western Carolina University Entry Requirements

 

Application fee $65

Undergraduate Requirements:

  • Transcripts in English
  • English Language test scores
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Passport ID pages
  • Proof of funds
  • Immunization form
  • Health Insurance
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation

 

Graduate Requirements:

  • Official Transcripts in English
  • Transcripts from any college outside the United States have to be evaluated by an accepted Foreign Credential Evaluation Service like WES, NACES etc
  • English Language Test scores
  • GRE and GMAT may also be required by specific programs.
  • Passport ID pages
  • Proof of funds
  • Immunization form
  • Health Insurance
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation

 

Accepted English proficiency test scores:

  • TOEFL iBT - 68
  • TOEFL PBT - 520
  • IELTS - 6.0
  • SAT - 880
  • ACT - 18
  • Duolingo - 95


 

Western Carolina University Fees

The institution offers several programs at different levels. Listed below are the Western Carolina University fees based on various courses

  • Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science - $10,807 /Year
  • Master of Science [M.S] Health Sciences - $22,238 /Year
  • Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - $22,238 /Year
  • Bachelor Graphic Design - $10,807 /Year
  • Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] Nursing Practice - $25,155 /Year

 

Placements

Western Carolina University (WCU) offers a range of placement opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their field of study and develop professional skills. Here are some of the placement opportunities available at WCU:

 

Internships: WCU offers a variety of internship opportunities across different academic disciplines. These internships provide students with practical experience in their field of study and an opportunity to network with professionals in the industry.

 

Study Abroad Programs: WCU offers study abroad programs in different countries around the world, providing students with an opportunity to learn about different cultures and gain international experience.

 

Service-Learning: WCU's Service-Learning program provides students with opportunities to engage in community service projects, applying their academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations and developing a sense of civic responsibility.

 

Undergraduate Research: WCU encourages undergraduate research and provides opportunities for students to work alongside faculty members on research projects in their field of interest.

 

Clinical Placements: WCU offers clinical placements for students in the health sciences programs, providing them with hands-on experience in healthcare facilities.

 

Student Teaching: Students in the education program can participate in student teaching placements in local schools, providing them with hands-on teaching experience under the guidance of experienced teachers.

 

Co-ops: WCU offers cooperative education (co-op) programs that allow students to alternate periods of classroom study with periods of paid work experience related to their major.

 

Business Internships: WCU's College of Business offers internships with local and regional businesses, providing students with practical experience in business management, accounting, and marketing

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the Western Carolina University through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:


  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Country-specific scholarships

  • College-specific scholarships

  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Western Carolina University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Western Carolina University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.


UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Cullowhee is a small town located in the western part of North Carolina and is home to Western Carolina University. The cost of living in the city is 6% higher than the state average but it is lower when compared to the national average. Housing can be affordable depending on the neighbourhood. Students can choose shared accommodation or housing with utilities included in the rent to save money. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -


 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$721

On-Campus Accommodation

$779

Transportation

$83

Food Cost

$341

Utility Cost

$134

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$48

Clothes

$85

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$1,540

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$1,598

Annual Cost of Living

$19,176