RU vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

Compare Radford University in Radford, VA with Wheeling University in Wheeling, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Radford University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Radford University is located in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting); Wheeling University is in Wheeling, WV (Small City setting).
• Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheeling University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Radford University 14:1; Wheeling University 15:1.

RU vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RU or Wheeling University? 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 Radford University than Wheeling University ($16,749 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheeling University are 0.3% lower than at Radford University ($12,470 vs. $12,504).
• Wheeling University is 138.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $17,327 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Wheeling University than at Radford University (about $4,242 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Radford University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 84.8% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($21,931 vs. $11,870).

RU vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RU or Wheeling University? 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 Wheeling University and RU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 20 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming RU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Wheeling University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 940/1160; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 19/26; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RU - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Wheeling University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at RU vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

RU vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RU and Wheeling University? 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).

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Radford University's (56%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $700 more per year than RU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wheeling University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 70%)

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.