WCU vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

WCU vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University ($13,767 vs. $25,753).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 28% lower than at Western Carolina University ($8,900 vs. $12,354).
• Southern Adventist University is 489.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $22,670 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 216.3% higher at Southern Adventist University than at Western Carolina University (about $18,670 more per year; $27,300.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at Western Carolina University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Adventist University students is 115.3% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($12,904 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 20 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Southern Adventist University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southern Adventist University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

WCU vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Southern Adventist 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).

• Southern Adventist University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Southern Adventist University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,490 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($22,010 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($227 vs. $274).
• More Southern Adventist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.