FWBBC vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Welch College in Gallatin, TN with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia State University is larger than FWBBC based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 389 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Welch College is located in Gallatin, TN (Large City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Welch College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Welch College 8:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

FWBBC vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FWBBC or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than FWBBC ($11,055 vs. $21,157).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Welch College are 35.9% lower than at West Virginia State University ($8,668 vs. $13,522).
• Welch College is 123.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $11,830 more per year; $21,400.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.8% higher at FWBBC than at West Virginia State University (about $6,410 more per year; $21,400.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Welch College than at West Virginia State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Welch College students is 71.9% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($15,462 vs. $8,993).

FWBBC vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FWBBC or WVSU? 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 WVSU and FWBBC.

• Welch College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FWBBC - Open admission; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman FWBBC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at WVSU (3.24).

FWBBC vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FWBBC and WVSU? 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).

• Welch College's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from West Virginia State University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than FWBBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,700 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Welch College graduates have a $980 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($22,270 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, FWBBC graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($230 vs. $240).
• More FWBBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 35%)

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.