WCU vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kennesaw State University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

WCU vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or KSU? 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 KSU ($13,767 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 7% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,354 vs. $13,287).
• Kennesaw State University is 25.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $1,178 more per year; $5,808.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.5% higher at KSU than at Western Carolina University (about $9,106 more per year; $17,736.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kennesaw State University than at Western Carolina University (92% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kennesaw State University students is 37.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($8,223 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 70 points higher than at KSU (1110).
• Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at KSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at KSU (3.33).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 38% at KSU.

WCU vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and KSU? 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $810 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($21,200 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($219 vs. $227).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 53%)

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.