Anderson University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Anderson University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or WCU? 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 Carolina University than Anderson University ($13,767 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 3.5% lower than at Anderson University ($12,354 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 704.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $32,610 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 331.5% higher at Anderson University than at Western Carolina University (about $28,610 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 332.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($25,946 vs. $5,993).

Anderson University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or WCU? 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 WCU and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 150 points higher than at Anderson University (1030).
• Incoming WCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Anderson University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and WCU? 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 58%)

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.