Most of Western’s alternative licensure programs are available as Distance Learning Programs (DLP) because courses are held off-site or online. Tuition for distance learning programs is calculated by credit hour. We also offer residential courses allowing you to take classes at our Cullowhee campus or on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Graduate resident tuition is based on a full-time or part-time status. Undergraduate resident tuition rates are based on full-time status. The following licensure programs are primarily residential (some of the core licensure courses are offered online or off-site):

• Elementary Education, grades K-6
• English as a Second Language, grades K-12
• Special Subject Education, grades K-12 (art, music, Spanish, and physical education)

In addition to tuition and university fees, you'll need to factor other costs of attendance into your graduate school budget. These may include incidental costs such as transportation, books, and supplies. Visit Financial Aid for more information.

Information for Out-of-State Students

Out-of-state students who are hired to teach in North Carolina public schools are eligible for in-state tuition while they establish residency. Complete the Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Application (PDF) and submit prior to each semester you attend. To apply for and receive the Out-of-State Tuition Waiver* for North Carolina Teachers you must:

• be a full-time teacher or other education personnel paid on the NC teacher salary schedule by a NC public or charter school
• establish legal residency (domicile) in North Carolina
• be eligible and registered for 1 course relevant to teacher certification or 2 courses relevant to professional development as a teacher

* Note: The tuition waiver waives only the out-of-state portion of the tuition—you are still responsible for paying the remaining tuition and fees.

 Mail the application to the address listed on the form.

Establishing North Carolina Residency

You must complete the North Carolina Residence and Tuition Status Application (PDF) to establish North Carolina residency. Contact Elizabeth Frazier (efrazier@email.wcu.edu or 828-227-3179) if you have questions.