Asbury University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Asbury University in Wilmore, KY 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 Asbury University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,100 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Asbury University is located in Wilmore, KY (Town Fringe setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Asbury University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Asbury University 13:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Asbury University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Asbury 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 Asbury University ($13,767 vs. $23,033).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Asbury University are 12.5% lower than at Western Carolina University ($10,804 vs. $12,354).
• Asbury University is 626.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $29,010 more per year; $33,640.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 289.8% higher at Asbury University than at Western Carolina University (about $25,010 more per year; $33,640.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Asbury University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Asbury University students is 309.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($24,516 vs. $5,993).

Asbury University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Asbury 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 Asbury University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Asbury University (1200) is 20 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Asbury University 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: Asbury University 1080/1320; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Asbury University 21/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Asbury University - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Asbury University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Asbury University (63.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.1% at Asbury University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Asbury University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Asbury 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).

• Asbury University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Asbury University earn a median of about $400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $3,933 lower median loan debt than Asbury University graduates ($22,010 vs. $25,943).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Asbury University graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More Asbury University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.