Union Commonwealth University vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Winston Salem State University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Winston Salem State University 15:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or WSSU? 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 Winston Salem State University than Union Commonwealth University ($12,989 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 28.1% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($8,261 vs. $11,484).
• Union Commonwealth University is 405.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $24,820 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.4% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Winston Salem State University (about $14,164 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Winston Salem State University (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 168.1% larger than aid received by Winston Salem State University students ($26,961 vs. $10,057).

Union Commonwealth University vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth University or WSSU? 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 WSSU and Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 80 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Union Commonwealth University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at WSSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Winston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Winston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• WSSU has a higher acceptance rate (78.3%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 13.1% at WSSU.

Union Commonwealth University vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University and WSSU? 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).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $1,663 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($248 vs. $265).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 33%)

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.