Western Carolina University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Western Carolina’s 82% acceptance rate means a solid GPA already does a lot of the work, especially near its 3.43 entering average. If you choose to submit scores, aim above the middle range, around a 1260 SAT or 25 ACT, so testing adds a clear strength.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Western Carolina University facts and stats
Western Carolina University enrolls about 10,112 undergraduates in a small-town campus setting. Western Carolina has a freshman retention rate of 79%, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 60%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1.
Cullowhee, NC
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Key Western Carolina University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 1
Early Action
—
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to Western Carolina, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you have the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for superscore-focused retakes. With the Regular Decision deadline on February 1, a December retake is typically the last test whose scores should arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Western Carolina is a public Southern Conference university with in-state tuition of $1,000 and out-of-state tuition of $5,000. About 61% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
Western Carolina’s out-of-state tuition is $5,000, while in-state tuition is $1,000, with room and board adding $11,572. Financial aid is common, with 61% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $10,211. Merit awards average $2,995. Graduates leave with an average debt of $29,117.
Student life at Western Carolina University
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
South Piedmont Community College
Polkton, NCAppalachian State University
Boone, NCAcceptance rate: 90.1%
SAT: 1140–1270
ACT: 21–27
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NCAcceptance rate: 88.6%
Barton College
Wilson, NCAcceptance rate: 94.2%
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