WCU vs. Milligan

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Milligan based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,240 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WCU vs. Milligan Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Milligan? 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 Milligan ($13,767 vs. $21,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milligan University are 28% lower than at Western Carolina University ($8,900 vs. $12,354).
• Milligan University is 773.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $35,820 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 368.7% higher at Milligan than at Western Carolina University (about $31,820 more per year; $40,450.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Milligan University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Milligan University students is 420.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($31,220 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Milligan Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Milligan? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Milligan and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Milligan University (1200) is 20 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Milligan students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Milligan University 1133/1268.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Carolina University 19/25; Milligan University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Milligan - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; Milligan Aug 28, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Milligan students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Milligan (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 27.6% at Milligan.

WCU vs. Milligan Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Milligan? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate is 50%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Milligan.
• Graduates from Western Carolina University have median earnings of about $39,100 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Milligan.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $3,490 lower median loan debt than Milligan graduates ($22,010 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milligan graduates ($227 vs. $263).
• More Milligan graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.