North Carolina Central University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, 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 North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 8,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

North Carolina Central University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University ($13,767 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 8.1% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,354 vs. $13,450).
• North Carolina Central University is 44.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $2,069 more per year; $6,699.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.7% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Western Carolina University (about $11,105 more per year; $19,735.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Western Carolina University (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 100.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($11,999 vs. $5,993).

North Carolina Central University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Carolina Central University or WCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WCU and North Carolina Central University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 140 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming WCU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 980/1100; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: North Carolina Central University 17/18; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Carolina Central University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman WCU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• North Carolina Central University has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

North Carolina Central University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Carolina Central University and WCU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Carolina University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $8,990 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,010 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($227 vs. $320).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 23%)

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.