Western Carolina University

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Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University

Cultivating an environment of courageous exploration 💜⛰️ Consistently ranked in the upper echelon of higher education institutions by U.S.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains and recognized as a top adventure college, Western Carolina University is renowned for its unrivaled educational experience, its premier Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, and its gritty Catamounts athletics teams, which compete at the NCAA Division I level. As the westernmost institution in the University of North Carolina System and locat

ed on a 600-acre mountain campus in Cullowhee with an instructional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville, WCU offers more than 120 undergraduate programs and more than 40 graduate programs. News & World Report, WCU is among the top 10 for public universities in the South and best value universities in the South. The ranking for best value is a reflection of NC Promise, which reduces the cost of tuition to $500 per semester for North Carolina residents and $2,500 per semester for out-of-state students. WCU provides vast opportunities to engage beyond the classroom with more than 170 student organizations, including Greek life featuring 20 sororities and fraternities; the Black Student Union, the Latino Appreciation Student Organization and Intercultural Affairs; and more than 50 club and intramural sports. Students are offered the tools for an engaged learning experience through meaningful service in the community to help transform the college experience, including independent volunteer projects and Days of Service participation. Additionally, WCU provides leadership and advocacy for students and scholars through international programs and activities on campus and the surrounding community, and study abroad opportunities. The campus has a state-of-the-art fitness experience with cardiovascular and weight equipment, multi-purpose courts, an indoor jogging/walking track, group exercise studios, a 48-foot indoor climbing wall, and an on-campus trail system. The John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center is home to WCU’s 1,000-seat Performance Hall, Josefina Niggli Studio Theatre and the WCU Fine Art Museum. More than a beautiful setting in Catamount Nation, WCU offers a supportive community that recognizes students’ full potential and provides nationally ranked programs to achieve their goals.

06/19/2026

The best work happens when a community comes together.

Hunter Library's Jazmyne Baylor and Angie Walker teamed up with the College of Education and Allied Professions and local partners to give Jackson Community School's library a fresh start—new books, updated furniture, and a welcoming space for students to explore and learn.

The project brought together WCU staff, community members, and businesses, all working toward one goal: giving students the resources they deserve.

“It also serves as a powerful reminder that our students are valued and deserving of exceptional learning opportunities. We are truly grateful that WCU College of Education and Allied Professions believes in our students, invests in their success, and recognizes the importance of the work being done in our school," said Principal Holly Whisnant.

https://bit.ly/3S5ozPY

Western Carolina University's impact on local education isn't limited to the teachers it sends out to Western North Carolina schools. It helps nurture them, too.

06/17/2026

No matter what era you knew Paws, he's always been everyone's biggest supporter.

Drop a picture of you and Paws in the comments!

06/08/2026

Matt Canter made the choice to attend Western Carolina University while ankle-deep in the Tuckasegee River, fighting a hungry rainbow trout at the other end of his fly rod.

Today, he’s the owner of Brookings Fly Shop, guiding anglers from western North Carolina to Patagonia and beyond.

Read more about his journey from Cullowhee to building one of the region’s premier fly fishing outfitters.

Matt Canter made the choice to attend Western Carolina University while ankle-deep in the Tuckasegee River, fighting a hungry rainbow trout at the other end of his fly rod. He hadn't seen campus or met his peers, but Canter didn't need more convincing...

06/07/2026

From Cullowhee to champion.

Congratulations to WCU alumnus J.T. Poston, winner of the 2026 Memorial Tournament!

06/05/2026

POV: You're a small critter enjoying a beautiful day in Cullowhee. 🐿️

06/03/2026

WCU construction management students carefully piloted a drone this fall to record every angle of the REACH of Haywood County shelter and the surrounding property. Their mission: create a detailed 3D interactive model to help REACH leaders and supporters visualize and plan a renovation and expansion of its shelter for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking.

https://bit.ly/4o9gPbu

Western Carolina University construction management students carefully piloted a drone this fall to record every angle of the REACH of Haywood County shelter and surrounding property. Their mission: create a detailed 3D interactive model to help REACH l...

05/29/2026

Meet Rose Clements, a passionate WCU student photographer who is gaining invaluable real-world experience, building her professional network, and seeing her photography shine in print magazines.

Amid the challenges of finding her dream career, she embraces this pivotal time in her life by taking on any opportunity to try something new and carrying with her a positive attitude and excitement for the future.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember those who lived a life of service and, in the end, gave their lives for our country. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

Exciting news!

This fall, WCU is launching a brand new Master of Science (M.S.) in engineering program. This fantastic opportunity expands graduate‑level opportunities in the College of Engineering and Technology and addresses growing regional and workforce demand for engineers with advanced credentials.

Qualified undergraduate engineering students will be able to enter the Accelerated Bachelor’s–to–Master’s (ABM) pathway, allowing them to begin graduate‑level coursework during their senior year and complete both degrees in as little as one additional year beyond the bachelor’s degree.

To learn more, visit engr.wcu.edu/mse or engr.wcu.edu/abm

https://bit.ly/4uWvZTv

Western Carolina University will launch a new Master of Science (M.S.) in engineering program in Fall 2026, expanding graduate-level opportunities in the College of Engineering and Technology and addressing growing regional and workforce demand for engi...

Address

1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC
28723

Website

http://www.wcu.edu/, https://linktr.ee/western_carolina

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