WCU vs. Lincoln Memorial University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Lincoln Memorial University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 6,081 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Lincoln Memorial University is in Harrogate, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln Memorial University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Lincoln Memorial University 10:1.

WCU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Lincoln Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial University ($13,767 vs. $21,447).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln Memorial University are 1% lower than at Western Carolina University ($12,226 vs. $12,354).
• Lincoln Memorial University is 481.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $22,308 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 212.1% higher at Lincoln Memorial University than at Western Carolina University (about $18,308 more per year; $26,938.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln Memorial University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lincoln Memorial University students is 235.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($20,081 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 70 points higher than at Lincoln Memorial University (1110).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Lincoln Memorial University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Lincoln Memorial University 1000/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Lincoln Memorial University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Lincoln Memorial University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Lincoln Memorial University (3.29).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Lincoln Memorial University (62.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 15.8% at Lincoln Memorial University.

WCU vs. Lincoln Memorial University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Lincoln Memorial 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 Lincoln Memorial University's (49%).
• Graduates from Western Carolina University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Lincoln Memorial University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($17,020 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln Memorial University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($175 vs. $227).
• More Lincoln Memorial University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.