Ogelthorpe vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA 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 Ogelthorpe based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oglethorpe University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Oglethorpe University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oglethorpe University 13:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Ogelthorpe vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ogelthorpe 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 Ogelthorpe ($13,767 vs. $20,490).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 21.7% lower than at Oglethorpe University ($12,354 vs. $15,780).
• Oglethorpe University is 927.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $42,960 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 451.4% higher at Ogelthorpe than at Western Carolina University (about $38,960 more per year; $47,590.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oglethorpe University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oglethorpe University students is 551.7% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($39,054 vs. $5,993).

Ogelthorpe vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ogelthorpe 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 Ogelthorpe.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oglethorpe University (1200) is 20 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Ogelthorpe students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oglethorpe University 1090/1310; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oglethorpe University 22/31; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ogelthorpe - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ogelthorpe Jul 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Ogelthorpe students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Ogelthorpe has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Ogelthorpe vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Ogelthorpe vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ogelthorpe 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 Oglethorpe University's (48%).
• Graduates from Oglethorpe University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 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 Ogelthorpe graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ogelthorpe graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ogelthorpe students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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.