WCU vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than University of Lynchburg based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,316 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); University of Lynchburg is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Lynchburg is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; University of Lynchburg 11:1.

WCU vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg ($13,767 vs. $23,845).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 9.8% lower than at University of Lynchburg ($12,354 vs. $13,700).
• University of Lynchburg is 693.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $32,120 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 325.8% higher at University of Lynchburg than at Western Carolina University (about $28,120 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Lynchburg than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 342% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($26,491 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or University of Lynchburg? 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 University of Lynchburg and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 70 points higher than at University of Lynchburg (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Lynchburg students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

WCU vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and University of Lynchburg? 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).

• University of Lynchburg's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Lynchburg earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than University of Lynchburg graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More University of Lynchburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.