WCU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

WCU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Carson-Newman 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 Western Carolina University than Carson-Newman University ($13,767 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 4.5% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,800 vs. $12,354).
• Carson Newman University is 649.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $30,070 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 302.1% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Western Carolina University (about $26,070 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 368.7% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($28,090 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Carson-Newman 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 Carson-Newman University and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 90 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carson-Newman University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

WCU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Carson-Newman 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).

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,870 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($227 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.