WCU vs. Ohio University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 11,686 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

WCU vs. Ohio University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Ohio 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 Ohio University ($13,767 vs. $21,907).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 12.8% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($12,354 vs. $14,162).
• Ohio University Main Campus is 205.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $9,528 more per year; $14,158.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 187.8% higher at Ohio University than at Western Carolina University (about $16,208 more per year; $24,838.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at Western Carolina University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students is 57.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($9,422 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Ohio University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Ohio University Main Campus (1190) is 10 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Ohio University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Ohio University Main Campus 1090/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Carolina University 19/25; Ohio University Main Campus 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Ohio University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Ohio University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Ohio University has a higher acceptance rate (85%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

WCU vs. Ohio University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Ohio University? 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.

• Ohio University Main Campus's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Ohio University Main Campus earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $1,510 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($211 vs. $227).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 51%)

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.