WCU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA with Longwood University in Farmville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is located in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1; Longwood University 15:1.

WCU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Longwood University? 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 Longwood University than WCU ($20,847 vs. $22,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are 14.9% lower than at Longwood University ($14,828 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 46.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $4,969 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.8% higher at Longwood University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $5,379 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (97% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 144.4% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($13,954 vs. $5,709).

WCU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Longwood University? 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 Longwood University and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is 70 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming WCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WCU (3.43).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at WCU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

WCU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Longwood University? 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Longwood University's (60%).
• Graduates from West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Longwood University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $43,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($23,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($242 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 75%)

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.