BAC vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC 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 BAC based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,388 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belmont Abbey College is located in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belmont Abbey College 12:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

BAC vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BAC 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 BAC ($13,767 vs. $24,726).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 4.8% lower than at Belmont Abbey College ($12,354 vs. $12,974).
• Belmont Abbey College is 321.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $14,870 more per year; $19,500.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126% higher at BAC than at Western Carolina University (about $10,870 more per year; $19,500.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at Western Carolina University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Belmont Abbey College students is 69.7% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($10,168 vs. $5,993).

BAC vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BAC 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 BAC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 100 points higher than at BAC (1080).
• Incoming BAC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at WCU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 960/1200; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 18/26; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BAC - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at BAC (3.32).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than BAC (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at BAC vs. 12.7% at WCU.

BAC vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BAC 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).

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from Belmont Abbey College earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 BAC graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BAC graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More WCU 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.