WCU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

WCU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($13,767 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 16.5% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($12,354 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 816.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $37,789 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 391.5% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Western Carolina University (about $33,789 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 401.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($30,033 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 170 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (1010).
• Incoming WCU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

WCU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's (49%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,890 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($22,010 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($227 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte 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.