WCU vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

WCU vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than WCU ($12,236 vs. $13,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 25.7% lower than at Western Carolina University ($9,182 vs. $12,354).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is 132.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $6,130 more per year; $10,760.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 145.9% higher at USC Aiken than at Western Carolina University (about $12,588 more per year; $21,218.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Aiken than at Western Carolina University (93% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students is 48.6% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($8,904 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or USC Aiken? 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 USC Aiken and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 80 points higher than at USC Aiken (1100).
• Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at USC Aiken (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

WCU vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from University of South Carolina Aiken earn a median of about $500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $3,990 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($22,010 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($227 vs. $268).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 54%)

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.