Elon vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, 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 Elon based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Elon vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon 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 Elon ($13,767 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 17.6% lower than at Elon University ($12,354 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 914.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $42,328 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 444.1% higher at Elon than at Western Carolina University (about $38,328 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at Elon University (81% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 198.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($17,867 vs. $5,993).

Elon vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon 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 Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 30 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Elon students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon 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 Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Elon vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $17,100 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,240 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($227 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.