- Admissions & Aid
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition and Financial Aid
At Western Carolina we recognize that students and families are weighing costs as an important factor in their college decision. Western Carolina University has long been committed to providing an affordable and accessible quality education.
NC Promise
Western Carolina University is one of three UNC system institutions that is part of NC Promise, a ground-breaking new North Carolina program to drive college affordability. What that means for students and parents is that the cost of tuition will drop to $500 per semester for in-state undergraduate students and $2,500 per semester for out-of-state undergraduate students. This program applies to all new and returning students, transfer students, students in online programs and international students not just to incoming Freshman. It does not apply to graduate students.
Student fees along with the cost of residential housing and meal plans will not drop, so it is important for families to understand the full cost of attendance.
Tuition and Fee Information
Tuition and fee rates for all UNC system institutions are reviewed and set annually by the North Carolina Legislature. Our most up-to-date tuition and fee information can be found here:
We estimate the following costs:
Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees (Fall 2023)
| In State | Out of State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Fees | $3,453 | $3,453 |
| Room + Meal Plan * | $10,736 | $10,736 |
| Technology Fee | $178 | $178 |
| Total * | $15,367 | $19,367 |
Financial Aid
More than 80 percent of Western Carolina University students qualify for some type
of federal or state financial aid. As soon as the FAFSA is available, WCU encourages you to complete the FAFSA. Completing
the FAFSA allows you to be considered for all federal and state grants, loans, and
work-study. Some funds and resources are limited or time-sensitive and may be unavailable
to prospective students who wait until later to apply.
We will use the information received from the FAFSA to create a financial aid offer
for you. This aid offer will include any grants, loans or work study funds you are
eligible to receive.
We recognize that the process of applying for financial aid can be daunting for prospective students and their families, and we encourage you to leverage the facts and resources available on our Financial Aid website:
Scholarships
Western Carolina offers numerous scholarships, both need and merit-based. Your application to Western Carolina qualifies you for some consideration for merit-based scholarships. However, to be eligible for the full breadth of scholarship support, you must submit an application through WCU by February 1, 2024.
Learn more and apply through our scholarship website:
*costs are subject to change
