Overview
The School of Nursing at Western Carolina University has trained nurses for the western North Carolina region for decades, growing from a small baccalaureate program into a multi-degree school offering BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP pathways. It is housed within WCU's College of Health and Human Sciences and has built a reputation for strong NCLEX pass rates, rural and community health emphasis, and partnerships with regional hospital systems such as Mission Health and Harris Regional. The program is known for producing clinically competent nurses who serve Appalachian and underserved communities.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Cullowhee, North Carolina |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Total students | 1,200 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | N/A |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $58,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $4,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,000 |
| Room & board | $11,000 |
| Average financial aid | $9,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1050-1220 |
| ACT range | 20-25 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | February 1 |
Top Programs
- BSN
- RN-to-BSN
- MSN Nurse Educator
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.