WCU vs. Hollins College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Hollins College based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 761 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Hollins University is in Roanoke, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Hollins University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Hollins University 8:1.

WCU vs. Hollins College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Hollins College? 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 Hollins College ($13,767 vs. $22,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 21.8% lower than at Hollins University ($12,354 vs. $15,800).
• Hollins University is 840.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $38,930 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 404.8% higher at Hollins College than at Western Carolina University (about $34,930 more per year; $43,560.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Hollins University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hollins University students is 503.3% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($36,154 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Hollins College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hollins University (1250) is 70 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Hollins University 1150/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Hollins College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hollins College students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Hollins College (68%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 9.6% at Hollins College.

WCU vs. Hollins College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Hollins College? 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).

• Hollins University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Western Carolina University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Hollins College graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than Hollins College graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hollins College graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hollins College students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 57%)

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.