Samford University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Samford University in Birmingham, AL 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 Samford University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 6,097 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Samford University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford 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 Samford University ($13,767 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 5.4% lower than at Samford University ($12,354 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 767.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $35,520 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 365.2% higher at Samford University than at Western Carolina University (about $31,520 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Samford University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Samford University students is 275.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($22,530 vs. $5,993).

Samford University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 20 points higher than at Samford University (1160).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Samford University has a higher acceptance rate (82.4%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Samford University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $18,300 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 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 Samford University graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Samford University graduates ($227 vs. $232).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.