Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($13,767 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 7.8% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,354 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 589% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $27,270 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 269.6% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Western Carolina University (about $23,270 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 291.6% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($23,467 vs. $5,993).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• Lenoir-Rhyne University has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir Rhyne University's (47%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne 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 $4,990 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.