What SAT score do you need for Western Carolina University? (Middle 50%: 1075–1260)
First-year students at Western Carolina University who sent an SAT scored 1075–1260, with a median of 1180 (Common Data Set 2024–25). Western Carolina University admits 82% of applicants.
Where your score lands at Western Carolina University
First-year students who sent an SAT: 1075–1260, median 1180
Middle 50% of admitted students Median
Enter your SAT or ACT to see which tier Western Carolina University is for you and whether to send your score.
Western Carolina University by the numbers
- Admit rate
- 82%
- Middle 50% SAT
- 1075–1260
- Median SAT
- 1180
- About on the ACT
- 21–26
- Sent an SAT
- 6%
Test policy not confirmed for 2026–27 · SAT range from the Common Data Set, 2024–25; admit rate from it or IPEDS
Western Carolina University admit rate over 10 years
Applications rose 12%, from 17,699 in 2015 to 19,742 in 2024, and Western Carolina University's admit rate went from 40% to 82%.
- 40%
- 82%
Show the numbers
| Fall | Applied | Admitted | Admit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 19,742 | 16,154 | 82% |
| 2023 | 18,183 | 15,758 | 87% |
| 2022 | 17,917 | 15,201 | 85% |
| 2021 | 12,308 | 9,775 | 79% |
| 2020 | 15,036 | 7,290 | 48% |
| 2019 | 11,128 | 7,646 | 69% |
| 2018 | 19,344 | 7,672 | 40% |
| 2017 | 19,391 | 7,532 | 39% |
| 2016 | 18,297 | 7,445 | 41% |
| 2015 | 17,699 | 7,127 | 40% |
In fall 2024, 2,052 of the 16,154 admitted students enrolled. Applicants and admits from IPEDS, the federal college survey, by fall of entry.
What each SAT score means at Western Carolina University
Which tier your score puts them in, and whether it's worth sending.
- Under 1030Far reachHold
- 1030–1070ReachHold
- 1080–1170TargetHold
- 1180–1250TargetSend
- 1260 and upLikelySend
Tiers here use only your SAT and their admit rate. Essays, activities and recommendations still decide most admissions at selective colleges. *Send it? assumes they're test optional; we haven't confirmed their policy.
Western Carolina University SAT sections, ACT and GPA
Scores of enrolled first-year students who sent one, by percentile.
| Test | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 520 | 580 | 610 |
| SAT Reading and Writing | 560 | 610 | 660 |
| SAT total | 1075 | 1180 | 1260 |
| ACT composite | 19 | 23 | 25 |
Of enrolled first-year students, 6% sent an SAT and 19% sent an ACT. Common Data Set 2024–25.
- Average high school GPA
- 3.43
- 100% of new students reported one
Western Carolina University cost and outcomes
What students pay after grants, how many finish, and what they earn.
- Average net price
- $13,315
- per year, after grants
- Graduate in 6 years
- 60%
- Median earnings
- $49,458
- 10 years after starting
- Undergraduates
- 11,369
College Scorecard, 2022–23, from the US Department of Education. Net price averages federal-aid students across family incomes.
Colleges like Western Carolina University
Similar SAT ranges and admit rates.
- Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction, CO · 82% admitted1060–1280, median 1180
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI · 81% admitted1060–1290, median 1180
- Susquehanna UniversitySelinsgrove, PA · 81% admitted1100–1290, median 1190
- Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic, CT · 83% admitted1100–1240, median 1170
- Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT · 82% admitted1070–1290, median 1200
- Hope CollegeHolland, MI · 79% admitted1090–1310, median 1190
More colleges in North Carolina
Sources
- Western Carolina University Common Data Set 2024–25
SAT and ACT ranges, early decision, waitlist, GPA and class rank, as the college reported them.
- College Navigator (IPEDS)
Applications, admissions and enrollment by year, from the federal college survey.
- College Scorecard
Net price, graduation rate and earnings, from the US Department of Education.
- Western Carolina University website
Western Carolina University
Updated Nov 9, 2026. Spot a number that's off? Email support@tryashore.com and we'll check it against the source.
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