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Education Data profile

Western Carolina University Cost of Attendance: Tuition, Fees & Net Price

  • Official data · College Scorecard, checked Oct 13, 2026
Updated  1 source

Total cost of attendance per year

$19,992

Western Carolina University cost breakdown

Item Per year
Tuition and fees (in-state) $4,630
Tuition and fees (out-of-state) $8,630
Housing and food (on campus) $12,354
Books and supplies $800
Other expenses (on campus) $3,381
Total cost of attendance $19,992

The total uses in-state tuition. Housing and food off campus: $12,854 a year. Figures are the school’s published budget for one academic year, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education. Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition

As a public school, Western Carolina University charges North Carolina residents $4,630 a year in tuition and fees. Students from other states pay $8,630, which is $4,000 more each year.

What students actually pay

Few students pay the full sticker price. At Western Carolina University, the average net price of $13,315 is $6,677 less than the listed cost of attendance. The amount depends heavily on family income: about $8,816 a year for families earning under $30,000, and $17,992 for families earning more than $110,000.

Net price is what remains after grants and scholarships, before loans. Use the school’s net price calculator for an estimate based on your own finances.

Net price by family income

Family income Average net price
$0–$30,000 $8,816
$30,001–$48,000 $10,012
$48,001–$75,000 $12,605
$75,001–$110,000 $17,060
$110,001 and up $17,992

Average yearly cost after grants and scholarships for full-time, first-time undergraduates who received federal financial aid. In-state students only. Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)

Debt, earnings and admissions

Measure Value
Median federal debt at graduation $21,868
Median earnings 10 years after enrolling $49,458
Graduation rate 60%
Admission rate 82%

Debt covers federal loans of students who completed. Earnings are for former students who received federal aid. The graduation rate counts first-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time. Source: College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)

Frequently asked questions

How much is tuition at Western Carolina University?

Tuition and fees are $4,630 a year for in-state students and $8,630 for out-of-state students.

How much does Western Carolina University cost for four years?

At the current cost of attendance of $19,992 a year, four years would come to about $79,968 before financial aid. Actual totals are usually higher because schools raise prices most years.

What is the average net price at Western Carolina University?

Students who receive federal aid pay an average of $13,315 a year after grants and scholarships.