BYU-I vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Brigham Young University Idaho in Rexburg, ID with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brigham Young University Idaho is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (45,585 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brigham Young University Idaho is located in Rexburg, ID (Distant Town setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Brigham Young University Idaho is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brigham Young University Idaho 22:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

BYU-I vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BYU-I 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 Brigham Young University Idaho than WCU ($8,528 vs. $13,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brigham Young University Idaho are 58.1% lower than at Western Carolina University ($5,180 vs. $12,354).
• Brigham Young University Idaho is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $170 more per year; $4,800.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.8% higher at WCU than at Brigham Young University Idaho (about $3,830 more per year; $8,630.00 vs. $4,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at Brigham Young University Idaho (81% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brigham Young University Idaho students is 12.3% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($6,733 vs. $5,993).

BYU-I vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BYU-I 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 BYU-I.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 90 points higher than at BYU-I (1090).
• Incoming BYU-I students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brigham Young University Idaho 970/1200; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brigham Young University Idaho 20/26; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BYU-I - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BYU-I Feb 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at BYU-I (3.34).
• BYU-I has a higher acceptance rate (95.8%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 43.9% at BYU-I vs. 12.7% at WCU.

BYU-I vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BYU-I 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).

• Brigham Young University Idaho's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Brigham Young University Idaho earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brigham Young University Idaho graduates have a $11,010 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($11,000 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, BYU-I graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($113 vs. $227).
• More BYU-I 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.