Catamount Commitment

NC Promise: The State of North Carolina established the NC Promise Tuition Plan to increase access to a quality university education by reducing student costs. Through NC Promise, tuition for all undergraduate students at WCU has been reduced to $500 per fall and spring semesters for in-state students and $2,500 for out-of-state students. The State of North Carolina is supplementing this cost by matching dollar for dollar the difference between WCU's full cost of tuition and the NC Promise Tuition Plan cost so that students pay less. Earn acceptance, enroll as an undergraduate, and reap the savings every fall and spring term. ncpromise.wcu.edu

Catamount Commitment: In addition to NC Promise, WCU seeks ways to Honor Our Promise. WCU is committed to Academic Excellence, Access, and Affordability. The Catamount Commitment invests in N.C. students who commit to strategic investment in their futures. Our commitment encourages and incentivizes students to Finish in Four, limit or eliminate college debt, and earn competitive credentials for graduate school or career choices. We commit to financially invest in four years of study for North Carolinians who commit to Live Western.

For timely first-year applicants from NC in WCU's fall Class

 

Eligibility: Who is considered for Catamount Commitment?

• North Carolina students.
• Undergraduate students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
• First-year students (no college coursework completed after high school graduation).
  • Early College students are eligible for consideration provided they apply as first-year students and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Students in a Cullowhee-based major (no online/distance learning programs).
• Students enrolling fulltime (12 credit hours per semester).
• Students beginning WCU coursework Fall 2024 (may begin early in one of WCU’s Summer Bridge Programs).

Action Steps: What do I need to do?

• Apply for admission by Jan. 2^nd priority action deadline.
• Submit the FAFSA (or request an exemption) by March 15^th.
• Complete Catamount Commitment Terms and Conditions by May 1^st to accept your program offer.
• Submit official copies of your final high school and college (if applicable) transcripts by July 15^th.

Renewability:  How do I keep the funding?

• Maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at WCU.
• Earn at least 12 credit hours each fall and spring semester (15 to 17 credit hours per semester is considered to be a normal load).
• Remain in good academic standing.
• Submit the WCU scholarship application by February 1^st each year (scholarships.wcu.edu).
• Submit the FAFSA (or request an exemption) by March 15^th each year.
• Complete Catamount Commitment Terms and Conditions by May 1^st each year.

Program Features:  What does the program offer?

• Early notification of expected amount of financial assistance from WCU (within 2 weeks of admission offer).
• Funding amount is based on your weighted high school GPA.
• Renewable funding for eight consecutive semesters (Fall/spring semesters only. Funding is not available in the summer.).
• If you complete your undergraduate degree in fewer than eight semesters, you can use remaining semesters of eligibility for graduate school at WCU.

Program Terms and Conditions

• Students must be offered admission to WCU and must meet the UNC System Minimum Course Requirements (MCR) and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER).
• Final award level amount will be based on the weighted GPA on the student’s final high school transcript.
• To assist other deserving students with access and affordability, award amounts are subject to change based upon financial aid, other WCU scholarships, and outside scholarships when a student’s full aid package exceeds WCU’s Cost of Attendance (COA).
• Students must complete all required steps by stated deadlines in order for the program offer to be valid.
• Recipients must read and sign a Catamount Commitment Agreement to signify they have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of the program.