WCU vs. Winthrop University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Winthrop University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 4,894 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Winthrop University is in Rock Hill, SC (Small City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winthrop University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Winthrop University 13:1.

WCU vs. Winthrop University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Winthrop 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 Winthrop University ($13,767 vs. $16,108).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winthrop University are 10.4% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,072 vs. $12,354).
• Winthrop University is 217% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $10,048 more per year; $14,678.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 232.3% higher at Winthrop University than at Western Carolina University (about $20,046 more per year; $28,676.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winthrop University than at Western Carolina University (99% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winthrop University students is 161.7% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($15,686 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Winthrop University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 60 points higher than at Winthrop University (1120).
• Incoming Winthrop 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; Winthrop University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Winthrop University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Winthrop University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winthrop University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Winthrop University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 15% at Winthrop University.

WCU vs. Winthrop University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Winthrop 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).

• Winthrop University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Winthrop University earn a median of about $400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,500 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 Winthrop University graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winthrop University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winthrop University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 49%)

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.