Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University's undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are highly economical, nationally ranked, and accredited. Courses are offered online, at the Asheville instructional site, and on WCU's main campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

Discover Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina

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School Ranking: A
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Western Carolina University is a 4 year or higher State Institution. It is a public and non-profit institution. The institution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, MSN to DNP, DNAP, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Western Carolina University admits 85% of applicants and graduates 65% of its students.

Contact Info

Quick Overview

  • $13,012 Undergraduate Tuition
  • $27,218 Graduate Tuition
  • Doctoral/Professional University
  • 9,809 Undergraduate Enrolled
    *Certificate and degree-seeking students
  • 1,679 Graduate Students Enrolled
  • 85% Acceptance Rate
  • 65% Graduation Rate

Student Demographics

  • 22 Average Age
  • 43% Men
  • 57% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 84% White
  • 4% Hispanic
  • 11% Black
  • 1% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • Accelerated BSN

  • On-Campus BSN Program
  • $10,716 In-State Tuition
  • 57 Credits
  • 16 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.6 Program Score

  • Clinical Nurse Leader CNL

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $14,880 In-State Tuition
  • 40 Credits
  • 18 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.6 Program Score

  • Family Nurse Practitioner FNP

  • Online + On-Campus BSN to DNP Programs
  • $53,037 In-State Tuition
  • 83 Credits
  • 36 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 1000 Clincal Hours
  • 4.6 Program Score

  • Nurse Educator

  • Online BSN to MSN Program
  • $14,508 In-State Tuition
  • 39 Credits
  • 18 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.6 Program Score

  • Nurse Educator

  • Online MSN to Post Grad Certificate Program
  • $4,464 In-State Tuition
  • 12 Credits
  • 12 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.6 Program Score

  • RN to BSN

  • Online BSN Program
  • $5,640 In-State Tuition
  • 30 Credits
  • 16 Months
  • 2.50 GPA Required
  • 4.4 Program Score

  • Traditional BSN

  • On-Campus BSN Program
  • $22,680 In-State Tuition
  • 120 Credits
  • 36 Months
  • 3.00 GPA Required
  • 4.5 Program Score

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

The School of Nursing at WCU was founded in 1969 to develop nurses who lead high-quality, holistic, compassionate, and culturally responsive care in Western North Carolina. Since its inception, the institution has steadfastly upheld this mission, ensuring high academic and professional excellence.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • RN to BSN
  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
  • WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (WNC RIBN)

Graduate

  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
    • Nurse Educator
    • Nursing Leadership
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 
    • MSN-DNP: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia (DNAP)
    • MSN-DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
    • MSN-DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Hands-On Learning Environment

Western Carolina University's undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are highly economical, nationally ranked, and accredited. Courses are offered online, at the Asheville instructional site, and on WCU's main campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

The school provides a flexible class schedule to accommodate diverse student needs. Students benefit from modern lab and classroom spaces, as well as practical experience through clinical partnerships and service learning initiatives both on and off campus.

Mode of Learning

While other programs are predominantly taught on-campus, the RN to BSN, MSN Nurse Educator, and MSN Nurse Leadership programs are available online. This adaptable strategy is intended to meet the various needs of every student, guaranteeing that everyone has access to a top-notch education customized to their unique situation.

NCLEX Pass Rates

The nursing school's impressive board and license exam pass rates demonstrate its exceptional educational quality. The nursing programs at WCU boast 100% pass rates on the CRNA board, the FNP board, and the BSN NCLEX. These outstanding results reflect the institution's commitment to academic excellence and the thorough preparation it provides, ensuring student success in their professional nursing careers.

History

Western Carolina University was founded in August 1889 as a semi-public secondary school and chartered as Cullowhee High School in 1891. The founder, Professor Robert Lee Madison, wanted to provide opportunities for the young people in the region and train teachers to spread education throughout the western part of the state. The University is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains. The Millennial Initiative expanded the campus in 2005 to provide health care and education through partnerships. WCU remains committed to offering hands-on learning and driving economic development in the region.

Accreditation

  • The BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at WCU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
  • The DNAP program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesia (COA).
  • The North Carolina Board of Nursing (BON) approves the pre-licensure nursing programs.

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