Montreat College vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Montreat College in Montreat, 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 Montreat College based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Montreat College vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Montreat College 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 Montreat College ($13,767 vs. $28,112).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montreat College are 3.8% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,890 vs. $12,354).
• Montreat College is 687.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $31,820 more per year; $36,450.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 322.4% higher at Montreat College than at Western Carolina University (about $27,820 more per year; $36,450.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Montreat College than at Western Carolina University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Montreat College students is 216.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($18,992 vs. $5,993).

Montreat College vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Montreat College 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 Montreat College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Montreat College (1130).
• Incoming Montreat College 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: Montreat College 1030/1220; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Montreat College 21/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Montreat College - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Montreat College (3.07).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Montreat College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Montreat College vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Montreat College vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Montreat College 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 Montreat College's (35%).
• Graduates from Montreat College earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,900 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $2,990 lower median loan debt than Montreat College graduates ($22,010 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Montreat College graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Montreat College students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 55%)

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.