WCU vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Roanoke College in Salem, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

WCU vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College ($13,767 vs. $26,044).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 19.6% lower than at Roanoke College ($12,354 vs. $15,366).
• Roanoke College is 722.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $33,438 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 341.1% higher at Roanoke College than at Western Carolina University (about $29,438 more per year; $38,068.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 370.3% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($28,188 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Roanoke College (1200) is 20 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Roanoke College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

WCU vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Roanoke College? 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).

• Roanoke College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Roanoke College earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 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 Roanoke College graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Roanoke College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.