Western Carolina – WCU Connect

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, approximately a 2-hour and 45-minute drive from Gaston College, about 50 miles west of Asheville, NC. Located in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, in a rural mountain community. There are over 120 + undergraduate degrees, minors, and concentrations, including many online program options. In addition, WCU is one of four NC Promise four-year institutions, where tuition is only $500 per semester for in-state students, not including additional institutional fees and costs.

WCU Connect guarantees general university admission for Gaston College students.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completed high school diploma (not enrolled in high school)
• Enrolled in ANY Gaston College associate degree program
• Apply ANY TIME to the WCU Connect program during your time at Gaston College
• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA at the time of WCU Connect application and have at least a 2.2 GPA in their last term at Gaston College

Benefits of the WCU Connect program

Students who opt into WCU Connect while still enrolled at their community college gain exclusive early-access benefits, including:

• Major-specific academic advising
• A personal WCU admission counselor
• Access to Hunter Library textbook rentals and study spaces
• Admission to select athletic events and campus speakers
• Priority orientation registration
• A 10% discount at the WCU Bookstore
• An exclusive WCU Connect Card

These benefits are activated through the WCU Connect Card, issued up to one year prior to transfer.

Additional – Brinson Honors College Guarantee

Transfer students with a 3.5+ cumulative collegiate GPA will automatically be invited to join WCU’s prestigious Brinson Honors College, which offers:

• Guaranteed transfer of up to 12 hours of honors-level credit
• Enhanced opportunities for academic distinction and leadership
• Students must accept their invitation upon WCU enrollment

Apply HERE for the WCU Connect program!

Please know that students may only apply and enroll in 1 Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.