Worcester State University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Worcester State University in Worcester, MA 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 Worcester State University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 5,745 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Worcester State University is located in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Worcester State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Worcester State University 16:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Worcester State University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Worcester State 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 Worcester State University than WCU ($12,778 vs. $13,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 13.7% lower than at Worcester State University ($12,354 vs. $14,307).
• Worcester State University is 154.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $7,156 more per year; $11,786.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 107% higher at Worcester State University than at Western Carolina University (about $9,236 more per year; $17,866.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Carolina University than at Worcester State University (81% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Worcester State University students is 57.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($9,464 vs. $5,993).

Worcester State University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Worcester State 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 Worcester State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Worcester State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Worcester State University 1026/1283; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Worcester State University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Worcester State University Jun 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Worcester State University (3.3).
• Worcester State University has a higher acceptance rate (88%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at Worcester State University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Worcester State University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Worcester State 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).

• Western Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Worcester State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Worcester State University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have a $2,010 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,000 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Worcester State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($206 vs. $227).
• More Worcester State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.