AAMU vs. WNC

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Western Nevada College in Carson City, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama A & M University is larger than WNC based on total student enrollment (7,295 students vs. 4,284 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Western Nevada College is in Carson City, NV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Nevada College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Western Nevada College 15:1.

AAMU vs. WNC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or WNC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Western Nevada College than AAMU ($14,929 vs. $17,152).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama A & M University are 35.9% lower than at Western Nevada College ($11,402 vs. $17,788).
• Alabama A & M University is 140.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WNC (about $5,856 more per year; $10,024.00 vs. $4,168.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.2% higher at AAMU than at Western Nevada College (about $5,800 more per year; $18,634.00 vs. $12,834.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Nevada College than at Alabama A & M University (88% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 118.7% larger than aid received by Western Nevada College students ($12,844 vs. $5,874).

AAMU vs. WNC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or WNC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WNC and AAMU.

• Western Nevada College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 810/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Alabama A & M University 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; WNC - Open admission.

AAMU vs. WNC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and WNC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Alabama A & M University earn a median of about $600 more per year than WNC graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,300 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Nevada College graduates have a $23,684 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($11,316 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, WNC graduates have an estimated $244 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($117 vs. $361).
• More WNC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 25%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.