WCU vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

WCU vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or WCU? 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 WCU ($13,767 vs. $22,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 16.7% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($12,354 vs. $14,828).
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania is 132.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $6,145 more per year; $10,775.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 161.9% higher at WCU than at Western Carolina University (about $13,969 more per year; $22,599.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (81% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Carolina University students is 5% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($5,993 vs. $5,709).

WCU vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is 10 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming WCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at WCU (3.43).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 22.4% at WCU.

WCU vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and WCU? 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from West Chester University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,490 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($227 vs. $242).
• More WCU 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.