University of Southern Maine vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME 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 University of Southern Maine based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 7,604 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine ($13,767 vs. $14,028).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 0.6% lower than at Western Carolina University ($12,280 vs. $12,354).
• University of Southern Maine is 143.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $6,654 more per year; $11,284.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 223.8% higher at University of Southern Maine than at Western Carolina University (about $19,314 more per year; $27,944.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Maine than at Western Carolina University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern Maine students is 86.7% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($11,188 vs. $5,993).

University of Southern Maine vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 60 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Incoming University of Southern Maine students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at University of Southern Maine (3.33).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 12.7% at WCU.

University of Southern Maine vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine 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 University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from University of Southern Maine earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 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 University of Southern Maine graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Southern Maine graduates ($227 vs. $232).
• More University of Southern Maine graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.