IUPUI vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana University Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Indiana University Indianapolis is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (22,534 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University Indianapolis is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Indiana University Indianapolis is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University Indianapolis 13:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

IUPUI vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IUPUI 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 Indiana University Indianapolis than WCU ($12,228 vs. $13,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 7.2% lower than at Indiana University Indianapolis ($12,354 vs. $13,308).
• Indiana University Indianapolis is 132.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $6,132 more per year; $10,762.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 304.3% higher at IUPUI than at Western Carolina University (about $26,261 more per year; $34,891.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana University Indianapolis than at Western Carolina University (82% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana University Indianapolis students is 85.3% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($11,104 vs. $5,993).

IUPUI vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IUPUI 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 IUPUI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 40 points higher than at IUPUI (1140).
• Incoming IUPUI students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 1030/1240; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University Indianapolis 21/29; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IUPUI - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: IUPUI May 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IUPUI students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than IUPUI (76.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.6% at IUPUI vs. 12.7% at WCU.

IUPUI vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IUPUI 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 Indiana University Indianapolis's (33%).
• Graduates from Indiana University Indianapolis earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,080 lower median loan debt than IUPUI graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,090).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than IUPUI graduates ($227 vs. $238).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IUPUI students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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.