Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Western Carolina University is a public institution in Cullowhee, North Carolina with 9,867 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $4,532 compared with a North Carolina nursing-school average of $11,351. The school reports a graduation rate of 59.1%, median earnings of $49,458, and median federal debt of $21,868.
$4,532 is lower than the state average of $11,351.
59.1% is higher than the state average of 46.3%.
$49,458 is higher than the state average of $36,095.
About Western Carolina University
| Location | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.wcu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $4,532 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,532 |
| Total Enrollment | 9,867 |
| Acceptance Rate | 86.7% |
| Graduation Rate | 59.1% |
| Retention Rate | 75.5% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $49,458 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,868 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $231 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 32.9% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 43.6% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
32.9% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 43.6% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Western Carolina University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $18,128, while the reported median debt is $21,868 with an estimated monthly payment of $231. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (76.2%), followed by Hispanic students (8.7%) and Black students (6.6%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($49,458) divided by median debt ($21,868)