WCU vs. Otterbein University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Otterbein University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Otterbein University is in Westerville, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Otterbein University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Otterbein University 12:1.

WCU vs. Otterbein University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Otterbein 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 Otterbein University ($13,767 vs. $20,457).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 6.7% lower than at Otterbein University ($12,354 vs. $13,236).
• Otterbein University is 667.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $30,918 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 311.9% higher at Otterbein University than at Western Carolina University (about $26,918 more per year; $35,548.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Otterbein University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Otterbein University students is 365.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($27,923 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Otterbein University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Otterbein University (1150).
• Incoming Otterbein 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; Otterbein University 1035/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Otterbein University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Otterbein University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Otterbein University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Otterbein University has a higher acceptance rate (84.5%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 17.7% at Otterbein University.

WCU vs. Otterbein University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Otterbein 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).

• Otterbein University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Otterbein University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 Otterbein University graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Otterbein University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Otterbein University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.