HPU vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare High Point University in High Point, 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 HPU based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 6,331 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• High Point University is located in High Point, NC (Midsize City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• High Point University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: High Point University 21:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

HPU vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, HPU 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 HPU ($13,767 vs. $43,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 34.7% lower than at High Point University ($12,354 vs. $18,924).
• High Point University is 878.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $40,682 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 425.1% higher at HPU than at Western Carolina University (about $36,682 more per year; $45,312.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at High Point University than at Western Carolina University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by High Point University students is 278.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($22,664 vs. $5,993).

HPU vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, HPU 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 HPU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at High Point University (1220) is 40 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming HPU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 1110/1320; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: High Point University 24/33; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: HPU - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: HPU Mar 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at HPU (3.4).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than HPU (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at HPU vs. 12.7% at WCU.

HPU vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for HPU 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).

• Graduates from High Point University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $411 lower median loan debt than HPU graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,421).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than HPU graduates ($227 vs. $231).
• More HPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.