WCU vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

WCU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University ($13,767 vs. $13,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 0.9% lower than at Western Carolina University ($12,242 vs. $12,354).
• Middle Tennessee State University is 121.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $5,636 more per year; $10,266.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 265.9% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Western Carolina University (about $22,944 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at Western Carolina University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students is 78% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($10,665 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 60 points higher than at Middle Tennessee State University (1120).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State 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; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

WCU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Middle Tennessee State 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 Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $252 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($21,758 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($224 vs. $227).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 50%)

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.