WCU vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Longwood University 15:1.

WCU vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Longwood 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 Longwood University ($13,767 vs. $20,847).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 29.1% lower than at Longwood University ($12,354 vs. $17,424).
• Longwood University is 240% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $11,114 more per year; $15,744.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 224.2% higher at Longwood University than at Western Carolina University (about $19,348 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Longwood University than at Western Carolina University (97% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 132.8% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($13,954 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 60 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Longwood University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Longwood University has a higher acceptance rate (90.2%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 17% at Longwood University.

WCU vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $2,990 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($22,010 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.