WCU vs. Emory & Henry University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Emory & Henry University in Emory, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Emory & Henry University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,311 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Emory & Henry University is in Emory, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Emory & Henry University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Emory & Henry University 12:1.

WCU vs. Emory & Henry University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Emory & Henry 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 Emory & Henry University ($13,767 vs. $21,446).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 15.7% lower than at Emory & Henry University ($12,354 vs. $14,648).
• Emory & Henry University is 742.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $34,370 more per year; $39,000.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 351.9% higher at Emory & Henry University than at Western Carolina University (about $30,370 more per year; $39,000.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Emory & Henry University than at Western Carolina University (98% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emory & Henry University students is 425.8% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($31,511 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Emory & Henry University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Emory & Henry 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 Emory & Henry University and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Emory & Henry University (1140).
• Incoming Emory & Henry University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Emory & Henry University 1051/1223.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Emory & Henry University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Emory & Henry University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emory & Henry University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Emory & Henry University has a higher acceptance rate (83.7%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 11.9% at Emory & Henry University.

WCU vs. Emory & Henry University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Emory & Henry 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).

• Emory & Henry University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Emory & Henry University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 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 Emory & Henry University graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Emory & Henry University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Emory & Henry University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.