# Western Carolina University

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-carolina-university

## Overview

- **Location:** Cullowhee, NC
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Town
- **Region:** Southeast
- **Enrollment:** 10,024
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

With an acceptance rate of 82%, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC is an inviting choice for students looking for a supportive academic environment. It’s particularly appealing for those interested in fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Education, Psychology, and Visual & Performing Arts. The diverse program offerings mean students can find a path that resonates with their passions and career goals.

After graduation, students can expect to earn around $49,458 within a decade. This figure is significant because it reflects the potential return on investment for graduates, especially considering the relatively affordable net price of $13,315 after aid. With 35% of students receiving Pell Grants, many find financial assistance to help ease the burden of costs, making it more accessible for individuals from varying economic backgrounds.

When looking at the practical side of things, the median debt for graduates is $21,868, which is manageable compared to the earnings potential. This affordability makes it easier for students to thrive without being overly weighed down by loans after they graduate. The community here tends to attract those who appreciate a balance of academic rigor and a supportive atmosphere, making it a solid choice for many.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 82% |
| SAT Average | 1157 |
| ACT Midpoint | 22 |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $4,630 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,630 |
| Average Net Price | $13,315 |
| Median Debt | $21,868 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 35% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 44% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $8,816 |
| $30K-$48K | $10,012 |
| $48K-$75K | $12,605 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $17,992 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 60% |
| Retention Rate | 79% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $43,085 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $45,617 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $49,458 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 111.05% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 1579.0% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 703.3% |
| Parent Median Income | $88,000 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.30 |
| Friending Bias | -0.05 |
| Volunteering Rate | 6.6% |
| Support Ratio | 1.00 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Health Professions | 22% |
| Business & Marketing | 21% |
| Education | 8% |
| Psychology | 6% |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 6% |
| Criminal Justice | 5% |
| Social Sciences | 3% |
| Physical Sciences | 3% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 8 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #4 in [Best Criminal Justice Colleges in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-north-carolina)
- #5 in [Best Nursing Colleges in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-nursing-north-carolina)
- #5 in [Best Education Colleges in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-education-north-carolina)
- #9 in [Best Business Colleges in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-north-carolina)
- #11 in [Best Colleges in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-north-carolina)
- #11 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-north-carolina)
- #11 in [Best Master's Programs in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-north-carolina)
- #13 in [Best Psychology Colleges in North Carolina](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-psychology-north-carolina)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Western Carolina University — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-carolina-university