Wingate University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Carolina University is larger than Wingate University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 3,458 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Wingate University is located in Wingate, NC (Town Fringe setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Wingate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Wingate University 15:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Wingate University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Wingate University 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 Wingate University ($13,767 vs. $21,282).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wingate University are 10.5% lower than at Western Carolina University ($11,062 vs. $12,354).
• Wingate University is 799.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $37,006 more per year; $41,636.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 382.5% higher at Wingate University than at Western Carolina University (about $33,006 more per year; $41,636.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wingate University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wingate University students is 508.6% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($36,474 vs. $5,993).

Wingate University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Wingate University 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 Wingate University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 70 points higher than at Wingate University (1110).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Wingate University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wingate University 1010/1210; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Wingate University 18/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Wingate University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Wingate University (3.33).
• Wingate University has a higher acceptance rate (91.1%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 2.8% at Wingate University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Wingate University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Wingate University 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).

• Wingate University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Wingate University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,900 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 Wingate University graduates ($22,010 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wingate University graduates ($227 vs. $274).
• More Wingate University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.