Framingham State University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Framingham State University in Framingham, MA 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 Framingham State University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 4,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Framingham State University is located in Framingham, MA (Small City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Framingham State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Framingham State University 12:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Framingham State University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Framingham State 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 Framingham State University ($13,767 vs. $16,114).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 19.3% lower than at Framingham State University ($12,354 vs. $15,310).
• Framingham State University is 157.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $7,290 more per year; $11,920.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.6% higher at Framingham State University than at Western Carolina University (about $9,370 more per year; $18,000.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Framingham State University than at Western Carolina University (86% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Framingham State University students is 89.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($11,338 vs. $5,993).

Framingham State University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Framingham State 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 Framingham State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Framingham State University (1190) is 10 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Framingham State University 1100/1280; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Framingham State University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Framingham State University Feb 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Framingham State University (3.07).
• Framingham State University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.5% at Framingham State University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Framingham State University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Framingham State 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).

• Framingham State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Framingham State University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $2,695 lower median loan debt than Framingham State University graduates ($22,010 vs. $24,705).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Framingham State University graduates ($227 vs. $255).
• More Framingham State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.