ASU vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

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

Appalachian State University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (21,570 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Appalachian State University is located in Boone, NC (Distant Town setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Appalachian State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Appalachian State University 16:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

ASU vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ASU 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 ASU ($13,767 vs. $14,978).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 4% lower than at Appalachian State University ($12,354 vs. $12,868).
• Appalachian State University is 63.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $2,949 more per year; $7,579.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 192.1% higher at ASU than at Western Carolina University (about $16,582 more per year; $25,212.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at Appalachian State University (81% vs. 46%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Appalachian State University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($8,014 vs. $5,993).

ASU vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ASU 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 ASU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Appalachian State University (1200) is 20 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming ASU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 1120/1280; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Appalachian State University 21/27; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ASU - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ASU Feb 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ASU students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at WCU (3.44).
• ASU has a higher acceptance rate (90.1%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.2% at ASU vs. 12.7% at WCU.

ASU vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ASU 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).

• Appalachian State University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Appalachian State University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Appalachian State University graduates have a $1,510 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, ASU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($211 vs. $227).
• More ASU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.