by our College Data Analytics TeamIs WCU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
WCU is ranked #924 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of A- (top 20% for value). Within North Carolina, it ranks #56 of 124 for value.
These WCU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Natural Resources Management & Policy | #2 of 27 |
| Other Radio, Television Digital Communication | #3 of 22 |
| Forensic Chemistry | #3 of 15 |
| Teacher Education | #4 of 88 |
| Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy | #5 of 25 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #5 of 25 |
| Natural Resource Management | #6 of 39 |
| Environment / Natural Resources | #6 of 39 |
| General Engineering | #9 of 66 |
| Engineering | #9 of 70 |
Below is the detailed WCU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Western Carolina University is ranked #12 out of #128 in North Carolina for quality and #56 out of #124 for North Carolina value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the WCU financial aid page to be sure.
Western Carolina University is ranked #924 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Western Carolina University is priced competitively for the quality of education it provides, earning it a good value recognition from College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at WCU costs about $15,577. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $62,309 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $19,969 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $13,315 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $15,577 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,309 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about WCU net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a WCU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $79,876 | — | — |
| All Students | $62,309 | #924 | A- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,260 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $79,876 | — | — |
| All Students | $62,309 | #56 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $53,260 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at WCU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $8,571 |
| $30K–$48K | $10,277 |
| $48K–$75K | $13,085 |
| $75K–$110K | $15,140 |
| Over $110K | $17,958 |
About 66% of WCU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $6,267 per year. Get more details on the WCU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the WCU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.