St. Cloud State University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN 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 St. Cloud State University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 10,732 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Cloud State University is located in Saint Cloud, MN (Small City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Saint Cloud State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Cloud State University 18:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

St. Cloud State University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University ($13,767 vs. $14,735).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Cloud State University are 14.2% lower than at Western Carolina University ($10,596 vs. $12,354).
• Saint Cloud State University is 121.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $5,615 more per year; $10,245.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.7% higher at St. Cloud State University than at Western Carolina University (about $1,615 more per year; $10,245.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Cloud State University than at Western Carolina University (84% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Cloud State University students is 17.4% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($7,036 vs. $5,993).

St. Cloud State University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Cloud State 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 St. Cloud State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 40 points higher than at St. Cloud State University (1140).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at St. Cloud State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 1025/1260; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Cloud State University 17/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Cloud State University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: St. Cloud State University Aug 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at St. Cloud State University (3.4).
• St. Cloud State University has a higher acceptance rate (94.8%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.6% at St. Cloud State University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

St. Cloud State University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Cloud State 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 Saint Cloud State University's (48%).
• Graduates from Saint Cloud State University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $490 lower median loan debt than St. Cloud State University graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Cloud State University graduates ($227 vs. $232).
• More St. Cloud State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.