WCU vs. North Greenville University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than North Greenville University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,304 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); North Greenville University is in Tigerville, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Greenville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; North Greenville University 13:1.

WCU vs. North Greenville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or North Greenville 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 North Greenville University ($13,767 vs. $21,346).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Greenville University are 4.1% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,850 vs. $12,354).
• North Greenville University is 457.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $21,170 more per year; $25,800.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 199% higher at North Greenville University than at Western Carolina University (about $17,170 more per year; $25,800.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Greenville University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Greenville University students is 239.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($20,368 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. North Greenville University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 30 points higher than at North Greenville University (1150).
• Incoming North Greenville University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; North Greenville University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; North Greenville University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; North Greenville University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; North Greenville University Aug 22, 2027.
• Accepted freshman North Greenville University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than North Greenville University (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 32.3% at North Greenville University.

WCU vs. North Greenville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and North Greenville 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 North Greenville University's (46%).
• Graduates from Western Carolina University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than North Greenville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $33,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Greenville University graduates have a $510 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, North Greenville University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More North Greenville University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.