WCU vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

WCU vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or ETSU? 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 ETSU ($13,767 vs. $16,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 14.6% lower than at Western Carolina University ($10,554 vs. $12,354).
• East Tennessee State University is 126.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $5,842 more per year; $10,472.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.3% higher at ETSU than at Western Carolina University (about $5,892 more per year; $14,522.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at East Tennessee State University than at Western Carolina University (87% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East Tennessee State University students is 68.5% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($10,101 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 90 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at ETSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; ETSU - 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 ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

WCU vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,510 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($211 vs. $227).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU 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.