by our College Data Analytics TeamReview current in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees for Western Carolina University, and how those costs compare to other schools over time.
In the most recent reported year, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at Western Carolina University stood at $4,630 for the year. For out-of-state undergraduates the figure was $8,630. In-state residents pay notably less as a result.
Required fees account for amounted to $3,630 in-state and $3,630 out-of-state; the remaining amount is tuition.
| In-State | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Fees | $3,630 | $3,630 |
| Total | $4,630 | $8,630 |
This tuition and fees figure covers one year of academic instruction and exclude room and board.
Remember that a lot of students receive financial aid and scholarships that decrease the cost of attending. The totals here are the list price.
How much will Western Carolina University charge if you go part time? See the Cost Per Credit Hour page for details.
For perspective, here is how Western Carolina University tuition and fees compare to other colleges. Each rating shows whether the school runs above or below that group’s average.
| Nationwide | In NC | Similar Colleges | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State Tuition & Fees | Inexpensive | Inexpensive | Inexpensive |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | Inexpensive | Inexpensive | Average |
Measured against schools nationwide, Western Carolina University is comparatively affordable.
Note that financial aid can substantially change the real price, so compare net cost too. Check the Western Carolina University Financial Aid page for more.
Tuition at Western Carolina University has changed over recent reported years.
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Two Years Ago | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| One Year Ago | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| Most Recent Year | $1,000 | $5,000 |
Below, the chart plots how tuition at WCU has tracked over the reported years.
Annual tuition increases are the norm at most institutions, so the figure you see today is unlikely to be the figure you pay across all four years.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about college tuition and fees for additional detail.
Averaged across those years, in-state tuition and fees increased by 1.97%, so a year from now in-state students could pay around $4,721. For out-of-state students, the average annual increase was 1.04%, which puts out-of-state cost next year near $8,719.
If that pace holds, here is what tuition and fees could look like over the next five years:
| Academic Year | In-State Tuition & Fees | Out-of-State Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Next Year | $4,721 | $8,719 |
| In 2 Years | $4,813 | $8,809 |
| In 3 Years | $4,907 | $8,900 |
| In 4 Years | $5,003 | $8,992 |
| In 5 Years | $5,101 | $9,085 |
Budgeting for four years rather than one is the safer way to plan — four years of out-of-state cost at this pace comes to around $35,420, versus roughly $19,444 for in-state students.
A tuition number is just one part of the picture — scholarships and aid frequently cut what families actually pay.
To learn about financial aid at Western Carolina University, go to the Western Carolina University Financial Aid page.
