Western Carolina University operates as an Opportunity Builder institution, combining accessible admission with strong economic mobility outcomes. The university delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining well above average affordability performance, supporting sustainable financial outcomes for graduates from diverse economic backgrounds.
Modestly below average due to moderate earnings levels relative to educational investment
With well above average performance, driven by controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisWestern Carolina University generates modest earnings beyond expectations while maintaining manageable costs for students. Graduates earn a median of $49,458 ten years after enrollment, around the national average at the 40th percentile.
The institution produces $127 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 56.5th percentile for its ability to uplift student outcomes relative to demographics. Low-income graduates earn $40,900, placing WCU in the top 50% nationally for supporting economic mobility among Pell-eligible students.
Students seeking affordable higher education with strong support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, particularly in business, health professions, and criminal justice. Well-suited for North Carolina residents looking for accessible admission with demonstrated economic mobility outcomes through specialized programs.
Western Carolina University admits approximately 86.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places WCU in the Open Access category, welcoming a broad range of students with varied academic backgrounds.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that Western Carolina's accessibility aligns closely with similar public regional universities. This level of openness means that most students with standard high school preparation can expect admission, though academic performance still matters for merit aid and program placement.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Western Carolina University's published cost of attendance is $19,057 per year, including $8,532 in out-of-state tuition ($4,532 for in-state residents), $11,764 for room and board, and $693 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $12,579 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,478 compared to the sticker price.
This net price sits $1,514 higher than the peer median of $14,093, indicating that WCU costs slightly more than similar regional public universities. The university's financial aid system provides meaningful support across income levels, with the most substantial assistance directed toward lower-income families.
Net costs range from $8,571 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $17,958 for families earning over $110,000, demonstrating a progressive aid structure. Western Carolina's combination of moderate published costs and targeted financial aid creates manageable educational expenses for most North Carolina families, particularly when compared to private institution alternatives or out-of-state public universities.
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
29 graduates
Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
52 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
178 graduates
Applied Engineering.
34 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
18 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Nebraska-Lincoln Similar quality tier (#275 ranked) | NE | 77% | $56,887 | #275 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Western Carolina University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/western-carolina-university/analysis.
Top-tier mobility with Open Access admission
Western Carolina University ranks #277 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with composite performance at the 83rd percentile and top-tier mobility performance. Located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, this medium-sized public university maintains Open Access admission standards with an 86.7% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic mobility outcomes for diverse student populations.
WCU enrolls 32.9% Pell-eligible students and 32.9% first-generation students, demonstrating its commitment to educational access. The university operates as an Opportunity Builder, combining broad educational access with strong post-graduation outcomes that exceed expectations for similar student demographics.
WCU demonstrates well above average affordability performance at the 78.5th percentile and above average access performance at the 69.8th percentile, positioning the institution as a value-oriented choice for students prioritizing economic advancement.
Students should view WCU as an accessible option that doesn't require the extensive backup planning needed for highly selective institutions. However, competitive programs like nursing and engineering may have additional requirements beyond general admission standards.
For prospective students, this accessibility creates opportunities to focus on fit, program quality, and financial aid rather than admission uncertainty. The university's Open Access approach supports its mission of serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students, with 32.9% of enrolled students coming from each of these populations.
Applicants should still submit strong applications to maximize financial aid opportunities and demonstrate readiness for college-level work.
Western Carolina University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings grow from $43,085 six years after enrollment to $45,617 at eight years and $49,458 at ten years, representing 14.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 2,856 graduates, providing strong confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $127 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing WCU at the 56.5th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $40,900, ranking in the top 50% nationally and demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for Pell-eligible students. Earnings span from $35,205 at the 25th percentile to $67,362 at the 75th percentile, with the top quartile earning nearly twice as much as the bottom quartile.
Approximately 25.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Western Carolina University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive analysis. Applied Engineering Technologies ranks #14 nationally and #1 in North Carolina, producing 52 graduates with median earnings of $67,301 and a strong value score of 40.9.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #192 nationally and #9 in North Carolina, graduating 178 students with median earnings of $65,830. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 196 students with median earnings of $44,964.
Corrections Administration ranks #101 nationally and #2 in North Carolina, graduating 150 students with median earnings of $46,331 and an impressive value score of 47.6. Digital Marketing rounds out the top programs, ranking #123 nationally and #4 in North Carolina with 131 graduates earning $51,579.
These flagship programs demonstrate WCU's strength in career-focused education across health, business, and technical fields.
Texas A & M University-Commerce Similar quality tier (#274 ranked) | TX | 93% | $50,296 | #274 | Compare |
University Of Kentucky Similar quality tier in Southeast (#273 ranked) | KY | 92% | $59,025 | #273 | Compare |
University Of Southern Mississippi Similar quality tier in Southeast (#278 ranked) | MS | 99% | $44,140 | #278 | Compare |
University Of Missouri-Kansas City Similar quality tier (#279 ranked) | MO | 75% | $59,637 | #279 | Compare |
