GWU vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, 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 GWU based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

GWU vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 GWU ($13,767 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 7.6% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,410 vs. $12,354).
• Gardner Webb University is 650.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $30,130 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 302.8% higher at GWU than at Western Carolina University (about $26,130 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 352% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($27,088 vs. $5,993).

GWU vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU 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 GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 90 points higher than at GWU (1090).
• Incoming GWU 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: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 12.7% at WCU.

GWU vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $2,959 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($22,010 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GWU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 52%)

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.