Tuskegee University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, 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 Tuskegee University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,121 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Tuskegee University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tuskegee 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 Tuskegee University ($13,767 vs. $24,344).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tuskegee University are 19.2% lower than at Western Carolina University ($9,980 vs. $12,354).
• Tuskegee University is 448.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $20,756 more per year; $25,386.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 194.2% higher at Tuskegee University than at Western Carolina University (about $16,756 more per year; $25,386.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at Tuskegee University (81% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tuskegee University students is 232.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($19,910 vs. $5,993).

Tuskegee University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Tuskegee University (1130).
• Incoming Tuskegee University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at WCU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tuskegee University 995/1255; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tuskegee University 18/26; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tuskegee University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Tuskegee University Apr 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Tuskegee University (3.1).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Tuskegee University (48.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Tuskegee University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Tuskegee University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tuskegee 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 Tuskegee University's (43%).
• Graduates from Tuskegee University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,900 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $10,112 lower median loan debt than Tuskegee University graduates ($22,010 vs. $32,122).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tuskegee University graduates ($227 vs. $332).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tuskegee University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 46%)

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.