Bellarmine University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY 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 Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Bellarmine University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine 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 Bellarmine University ($13,767 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 12.2% lower than at Western Carolina University ($10,850 vs. $12,354).
• Bellarmine University is 953.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $44,140 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 465.1% higher at Bellarmine University than at Western Carolina University (about $40,140 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 550.8% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($39,001 vs. $5,993).

Bellarmine University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University or WCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WCU and Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman WCU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Bellarmine University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and WCU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $2,990 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($22,010 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.