WCU vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Charleston Southern University in Charleston, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WCU vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or CSU? 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 CSU ($13,767 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 1.2% lower than at Western Carolina University ($12,200 vs. $12,354).
• Charleston Southern University is 602.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $27,890 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 276.8% higher at CSU than at Western Carolina University (about $23,890 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Western Carolina University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 287.8% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($23,240 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 130 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 17.7% at CSU.

WCU vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and CSU? 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 50%)

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.