Application Deadlines for 2025
Spring 2025 open programs: all business programs, Engineering, Emergency and Disaster Management, Undeclared, and Non-Degree Seeking. All other programs are closed for spring. Fall 2025 is now open for all programs. Summer 2025 information is below.
Admission to Distance Learning programs is a two stage process. Stage one is acceptance to the university. Stage two is acceptance to the program. Programs will close applications by deadlines or once a program is at capacity. If a program is not listed on the application, that means it is no longer an option for the semester in which you are applying.
Complete and submit the online application. (If you are a returning student, please make sure to check our Readmission Policy.) Pay the $65 application fee and submit official copies of all required transcripts. The information on this page is only for undergraduate studente - the Graduate School has their own process. Send transcripts and other application materials to:
Western Carolina University
Office of Admissions
110 H.F. Robinson
Cullowhee, NC 28723
If you are sending your transcript via secure electronic transcript service, please send it to admiss@wcu.edu.
Transcripts uploaded into the Slate application system are not considered official. Official transcripts must be submitted before Birth to Kindergarten, RN to BSN, Emergency Medical Care, or Emergency and Disaster Management will make a decision on admission (step 2 & 4). Official transcripts are sent electronically or via mail directly from the previous school(s) you attended.
Please visit our Secondary Application information page, for information on Step 2 of the Admissions process. Distance students complete the secondary step to receive their Intent to Enroll, which takes the place of the enrollment deposit. Distance students do not pay enrollment deposits.
Once University Admissions has all of your materials (supplemental applications go to the program, not Admissions) they will make a decision and send you a letter notifying you of your university admission decision. This is the end of stage one.
Transcripts uploaded into the Slate application system are not considered official. Official transcripts must be submitted before Birth to Kindergarten, RN to BSN, Emergency Medical Care, or Emergency and Disaster Management will make a decision on admission (step 2 & 4). Official transcripts are sent electronically or via mail directly from the previous school(s) you attended.
If you are accepted by the university, then your application materials and supplemental application (if required, see above programs requiring supplemental applications) will be reviewed by the program. This can take several days to several weeks, depending on the program and your university admission date. Once a decision is made, you will be notified via email and provided with an Intent to Enroll form. Follow the instructions on the form and return the form as directed.
Review for Intent to Enroll does not start till January for summer/fall, and September for spring terms. Please remember, if you are applying to RN to BSN, Birth to Kindergarten, or EMC (fall only) they have their own deadline and review schedules.
After you return your ITE, you will get one final email with all the instructions
you need to contact your advisor and prepare to register.
The timeline for completion of the application process varies for most programs. EMC
and RN-BSN generally takes 8-10 weeks from the deadline to begin sending out decisions,
but it could take longer depending on the number of applicants and available seats.
Most other programs take 1-3 weeks from the completion of stage one to making an offer
of admission to stage two. Again, this could take longer during peak enrollment periods.