Cost Details
- In-State Tuition
- $4,532
- Out-of-State Tuition
- $8,532
- Average Net Price
- $12,579
- Students Receiving Financial Aid
- 32.9%
- Room & Board (On Campus)
- $11,764
- Room & Board (Off Campus)
- $12,322
- Books & Supplies
- $693
- Total Cost of Attendance
- $16,989
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,868
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $232/mo
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.5%
- Students Taking Federal Loans
- 43.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 32.9%
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education
| Family Income | Average Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 – $30,000 | $8,571 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $10,277 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $13,085 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $15,140 |
| $110,001+ | $17,958 |
Cost Estimator
Cost Overview
Most Western Carolina families pay around $12,579 annually after aid, though costs vary dramatically by income. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,571 per year, while those making over $110,000 face the full $17,958. Over four years, that ranges from about $34,000 to $72,000 total.
The 59% graduation rate means many students rack up debt without finishing. Typical graduates leave with $21,868 in loans, translating to $232 monthly payments. That's manageable against the $49,458 median salary ten years out, but tougher for recent grads earning $40,015 initially. Only 33% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews middle-class rather than low-income.
In-state students get the best deal here. They pay just $4,532 in tuition compared to $8,532 for out-of-state residents, and 83% of the student body takes advantage of that discount.
The 59% graduation rate means many students rack up debt without finishing. Typical graduates leave with $21,868 in loans, translating to $232 monthly payments. That's manageable against the $49,458 median salary ten years out, but tougher for recent grads earning $40,015 initially. Only 33% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting the student body skews middle-class rather than low-income.
In-state students get the best deal here. They pay just $4,532 in tuition compared to $8,532 for out-of-state residents, and 83% of the student body takes advantage of that discount.
Official Net Price Calculator
Get a personalized cost estimate from Western Carolina University:
Visit Official Net Price CalculatorThis links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.