BAC vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Charleston is larger than BAC based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 1,388 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belmont Abbey College is located in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belmont Abbey College 12:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

BAC vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BAC or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston than BAC ($20,844 vs. $24,726).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 5.3% lower than at Belmont Abbey College ($12,280 vs. $12,974).
• University of Charleston is 73.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than BAC (about $14,300 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.3% higher at University of Charleston than at Belmont Abbey College (about $14,300 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at University of Charleston (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 157% larger than aid received by Belmont Abbey College students ($26,132 vs. $10,168).

BAC vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BAC or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and BAC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Belmont Abbey College (1080) is 10 points higher than at University of Charleston (1070).
• Incoming BAC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Charleston).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 960/1200; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 18/26; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BAC - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman BAC students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.32) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• BAC has a higher acceptance rate (74.7%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at BAC vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

BAC vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BAC and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than BAC graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than BAC graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BAC graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BAC students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 40%)

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.