Campbell University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Campbell University in Buies Creek, 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 Campbell University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 4,963 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Campbell University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Campbell 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 Campbell University ($13,767 vs. $25,736).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 18.7% lower than at Campbell University ($12,354 vs. $15,200).
• Campbell University is 798.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $36,970 more per year; $41,600.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 382% higher at Campbell University than at Western Carolina University (about $32,970 more per year; $41,600.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Campbell University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Campbell University students is 509.6% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($36,532 vs. $5,993).

Campbell University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Campbell University (1130).
• Incoming Campbell University 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: Campbell University 1030/1230; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Campbell University 19/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Campbell University - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Campbell University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Campbell University has a higher acceptance rate (87.2%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at Campbell University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Campbell University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Campbell 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).

• Campbell University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Campbell University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,490 lower median loan debt than Campbell University graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Campbell University graduates ($227 vs. $242).
• More Campbell University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.