Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC

Total Enrollment

11,628

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

140

140 programs

Full-Time Students

8,200

1,809 part-time

Total FTE

10,118

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

16:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

3458

Total Recent Graduates

With 11,628 students, Western Carolina University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 140 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 8,200 (81.9%)

81.9%

Part-Time Students 1,809 (18.1%)

18.1%

Total Students 10,009

Predominantly full-time students (81.9%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (70.5%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

59.3%

6,892 students

Men

40.7%

4,736 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

75.8%

8,813 students

White

75.8% (8,813)

Hispanic/Latino

8.3% (963)

Black/African American

6.8% (788)

Two or More Races

3.8% (441)

International Students

2.3% (269)

Asian

1.3% (148)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.8% (94)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (14)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 11,628 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 76% of the student body (8,813 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

10,009 students

42% Men, 58% Women

8,200 Full-time 1,809 Part-time

Diversity Index: 41% • Minority Students: 17%

Graduate students

1,619 students

30% Men, 70% Women

827 Full-time 792 Part-time

Diversity Index: 42% • Minority Students: 16%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

9,027

All full-time students

3,808 men, 5,219 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Undergraduate

8,200

Full-time undergraduate

3,570 men, 4,630 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Degree-Seeking

8,162

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

3,557 men, 4,605 women

Diversity: 41%

FT First-Time

2,082

Full-time first-time students

864 men, 1,218 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Continuing

6,080

Full-time continuing students

2,693 men, 3,387 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Transfer

684

Full-time transfer students

302 men, 382 women

Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

5,396

Full-time other continuing

2,391 men, 3,005 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

13 men, 25 women

Diversity: 24%

FT Graduate

827

Full-time graduate students

238 men, 589 women

Diversity: 36%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

2,601

All part-time students

928 men, 1,673 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Undergraduate

1,809

Part-time undergraduate

673 men, 1,136 women

Diversity: 39%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,705

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

661 men, 1,044 women

Diversity: 38%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

8 men, 13 women

Diversity: 39%

PT Continuing

1,684

Part-time continuing students

653 men, 1,031 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Transfer

369

Part-time transfer students

135 men, 234 women

Diversity: 38%

PT Continuing

1,315

Part-time other continuing

518 men, 797 women

Diversity: 37%

PT Non-Degree

104

Part-time non-degree seeking

12 men, 92 women

Diversity: 53%

PT Graduate

792

Part-time graduate students

255 men, 537 women

Diversity: 47%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

7,590

White

664

Black/African American

857

Hispanic/Latino

125

Asian

182

International

Diversity Index: 41% Minority Students: 17%

Graduate students

1,223

White

124

Black/African American

106

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 42% Minority Students: 16%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Western Carolina University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Western Carolina University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 11,628 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (70.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 10,118 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 43% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (16:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8282277100

Address

Highway 107

Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials