University of Mount Olive vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, 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 University of Mount Olive based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,109 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Mount Olive is located in Mount Olive, NC (Town Fringe setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Mount Olive is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Mount Olive 17:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

University of Mount Olive vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Mount Olive 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 University of Mount Olive ($13,767 vs. $18,853).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mount Olive are 2.5% lower than at Western Carolina University ($12,040 vs. $12,354).
• University of Mount Olive is 491.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $22,736 more per year; $27,366.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.1% higher at University of Mount Olive than at Western Carolina University (about $18,736 more per year; $27,366.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mount Olive than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Mount Olive students is 229% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($19,716 vs. $5,993).

University of Mount Olive vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Mount Olive 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 University of Mount Olive.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 110 points higher than at University of Mount Olive (1070).
• Incoming WCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at University of Mount Olive).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mount Olive 990/1150; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Mount Olive 16/21; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Mount Olive - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at University of Mount Olive (2.85).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than University of Mount Olive (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.8% at University of Mount Olive vs. 12.7% at WCU.

University of Mount Olive vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Mount Olive 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 University of Mount Olive's (45%).
• Graduates from University of Mount Olive earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $5,996 lower median loan debt than University of Mount Olive graduates ($22,010 vs. $28,006).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Mount Olive graduates ($227 vs. $289).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Mount Olive students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 42%)

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.