GS vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Georgia Southern University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southern University 25:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

GS vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS 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 GS ($13,767 vs. $15,971).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 7% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,492 vs. $12,354).
• Georgia Southern University is 30.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $1,392 more per year; $6,022.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.5% higher at GS than at Western Carolina University (about $9,104 more per year; $17,734.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Georgia Southern University than at Western Carolina University (90% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Georgia Southern University students is 50.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($8,994 vs. $5,993).

GS vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GS 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 GS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 120 points higher than at GS (1060).
• Incoming WCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at GS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at GS (3.36).
• GS has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 12.7% at WCU.

GS vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS 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).

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Georgia Southern University's (47%).
• Graduates from Georgia Southern University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $990 lower median loan debt than GS graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GS graduates ($227 vs. $237).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GS 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.