Pfeiffer University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, 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 Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Pfeiffer University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($13,767 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 3.9% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($12,354 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 657.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $30,440 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 306.4% higher at Pfeiffer University than at Western Carolina University (about $26,440 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 333% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($25,951 vs. $5,993).

Pfeiffer University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer University 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 Pfeiffer University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 150 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 18/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Pfeiffer University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer University 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 Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $389 lower median loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,399).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pfeiffer University graduates ($227 vs. $231).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 56%)

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.