Methodist vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Methodist University in Fayetteville, 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 Methodist based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Methodist University is located in Fayetteville, NC (Midsize City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Methodist University 11:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Methodist vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Methodist 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 Methodist ($13,767 vs. $26,334).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 13.3% lower than at Methodist University ($12,354 vs. $14,250).
• Methodist University is 790.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $36,620 more per year; $41,250.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 378% higher at Methodist than at Western Carolina University (about $32,620 more per year; $41,250.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Methodist University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Methodist University students is 391.8% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($29,476 vs. $5,993).

Methodist vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Methodist 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 Methodist.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 10 points higher than at Methodist (1170).
• Incoming Methodist students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Methodist University 1080/1250; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Methodist University 22/27; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Methodist - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Methodist students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Methodist (75.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Methodist vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Methodist vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Methodist 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 Methodist University's (39%).
• Graduates from Methodist University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 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 Methodist graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Methodist graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Methodist students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 49%)

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.