Western Carolina University Admission
Acceptance Rate
81.83%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
12.70%
Freshmen Enrollment
2,052
SAT Scores
1,180
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 19,742 students have applied and 16,154 students have allowed to admit to Western Carolina University (Acceptance rate: 81.83%). Western Carolina's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 12.70 % where 2,052 students have finally enrolled out of 16,154 admitted students.
Western Carolina acceptance rate is higher (easier to admit) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in North Carolina. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as North Carolina A & T State University and East Carolina University, its acceptance rate is average (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 76.47%).
Western Carolina enrollment rate (yield) is lower (less admitted-students enrolled) compared to Public, 4-Years Colleges in North Carolina. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 16.60%).
How to Apply to Western Carolina University
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Western Carolina. Western Carolina offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.wcu.edu/apply/index.aspx |
|---|---|
| Online Application | www.wcu.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/apply.aspx |
| Financial Aid | www.wcu.edu/apply/financial-aid/index.aspx |
| Net Price Calculator | www.wcu.edu/apply/financial-aid/facts-and-resources/npcalc.html |
| Veterans Tuition | www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-services/military-student-services/index.aspx |
| Disability Service | www.wcu.edu/learn/academic-services/disability-services/ |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Western Carolina and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Western Carolina University is 1,180 and the average ACT score is 23. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Western Carolina University is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,099). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | 1,180 | 23 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,099 | 21 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges | 1,112 | 67 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Public, 4-Years Colleges in North Carolina | 1,122 | 66 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Western Carolina University, 110 students submitted SAT scores (5% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,180 and it is around average than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in North Carolina. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 560 | 610 | 660 |
| Mathematics | 520 | 570 | 610 |
| Total | 1,080 | 1,180 | 1,270 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Western Carolina University, 393 students submitted ACT scores (19% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 23 and it is lower than average for Public, 4-Years Colleges in North Carolina. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 19 | 23 | 25 |
| English | 18 | 21 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 17 | 21 | 25 |
Western Carolina Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Western Carolina University. The school requires 5 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school rank, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
4 items are Considered if submitted - Recommendations, Admission test scores, Personal statement or essay, and Legacy status.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Required |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Considered, if submitted |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Not Considered |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Considered, if submitted |