WCU vs. Xavier

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Xavier based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 5,501 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Xavier University is in Cincinnati, OH (Large City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Xavier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Xavier University 10:1.

WCU vs. Xavier Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Xavier? 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 Xavier ($13,767 vs. $33,623).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 11.2% lower than at Xavier University ($12,354 vs. $13,920).
• Xavier University is 993.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $46,010 more per year; $50,640.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 486.8% higher at Xavier than at Western Carolina University (about $42,010 more per year; $50,640.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Xavier University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Xavier University students is 435.4% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($32,088 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Xavier Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Xavier University (1210) is 30 points higher than at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Xavier students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Xavier University 1103/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Xavier University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Xavier - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Xavier students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Xavier has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 7.3% at Xavier.

WCU vs. Xavier Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Xavier? 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).

• Xavier University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Xavier University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,500 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 Xavier graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Xavier graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Xavier graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.