Rutgers University-Newark vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Rutgers University Newark in Newark, NJ 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 Rutgers University-Newark based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 11,315 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rutgers University Newark is located in Newark, NJ (Large City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Rutgers University Newark is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rutgers University Newark 14:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Rutgers University-Newark vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rutgers University-Newark 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 Rutgers University-Newark ($13,767 vs. $18,276).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 23.1% lower than at Rutgers University Newark ($12,354 vs. $16,074).
• Rutgers University Newark is 272.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $12,620 more per year; $17,250.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 326% higher at Rutgers University-Newark than at Western Carolina University (about $28,132 more per year; $36,762.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at Rutgers University Newark (81% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rutgers University Newark students is 190.4% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($17,405 vs. $5,993).

Rutgers University-Newark vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rutgers University-Newark 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 Rutgers University-Newark.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Rutgers University-Newark (1150).
• Incoming Rutgers University-Newark students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rutgers University Newark 1030/1270; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rutgers University Newark 21/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rutgers University-Newark - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Rutgers University-Newark (3.23).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Rutgers University-Newark (71.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.1% at Rutgers University-Newark vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Rutgers University-Newark vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rutgers University-Newark 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).

• Rutgers University Newark's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Rutgers University Newark earn a median of about $27,100 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $205 lower median loan debt than Rutgers University-Newark graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,215).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rutgers University-Newark graduates ($227 vs. $229).
• More Rutgers University-Newark graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 58%)

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.