WCU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Lee University 13:1.

WCU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Lee 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 Lee University ($13,767 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 18.2% lower than at Western Carolina University ($10,110 vs. $12,354).
• Lee University is 413.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $19,160 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 175.7% higher at Lee University than at Western Carolina University (about $15,160 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at Western Carolina University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 158.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($15,467 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Lee 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 Lee University and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Lee 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; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 35% at Lee University.

WCU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Lee 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).

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Western Carolina University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.