North Carolina Central University vs. WCU

North Carolina Central University and Western Carolina University side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

North Carolina Central University
Western Carolina University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: WCU (81.8% admitted vs 87%). Typical SAT 1180 vs 1040.
  • Cheaper after aid: WCU. Average net price is $13,767 vs $14,475 at North Carolina Central University.
  • Graduation: North Carolina Central University 38% vs WCU 50%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: North Carolina Central University $35,200 vs WCU $39,100 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

North Carolina Central University Western Carolina University
Acceptance rate
WCU more selective
North Carolina Central University87%
WCU81.8%
SAT range (middle 50%)
WCU higher
North Carolina Central University980-1100
WCU1080-1270
Average net price
WCU $708 less
North Carolina Central University$14,475
WCU$13,767
In-state tuition
WCU $2,069 less
North Carolina Central University$6,699
WCU$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
WCU $11,105 less
North Carolina Central University$19,735
WCU$8,630
Graduation rate
WCU +12 pts
North Carolina Central University38%
WCU50%
Median earnings (10 years)
WCU +$3,900
North Carolina Central University$35,200
WCU$39,100

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at North Carolina Central University and WCU with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at North Carolina Central University Check my chances at WCU
  • Applied
  • North Carolina Central University 18,368
  • WCU 19,742
  • Admitted
  • North Carolina Central University 15,972
  • WCU 16,154
  • Acceptance rate
  • North Carolina Central University 87%
  • WCU 81.8%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • North Carolina Central University 11%
  • WCU 12.7%
  • Typical SAT score
  • North Carolina Central University 1040
  • WCU 1180
  • Typical ACT score
  • North Carolina Central University 17
  • WCU 22
  • Average high school GPA
  • North Carolina Central University 3.27
  • WCU 3.44
  • Typical high school grades
  • North Carolina Central University B+
  • WCU B+
  • Admissions standards
  • North Carolina Central University Extremely Easy
  • WCU Moderate
  • Applicant competition
  • North Carolina Central University
  • WCU
  • SAT range
  • North Carolina Central University 980-1100
  • WCU 1080-1270
  • ACT range
  • North Carolina Central University 17-18
  • WCU 19-25
  • Submit test scores
  • North Carolina Central University Test optional
  • WCU Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027
  • WCU Mar 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • North Carolina Central University $6,699
  • WCU $4,630
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • North Carolina Central University $19,735
  • WCU $8,630
  • Room & board
  • North Carolina Central University $13,450
  • WCU $12,354
  • Average net price
  • North Carolina Central University $14,475
  • WCU $13,767
  • Average grant aid
  • North Carolina Central University $11,999
  • WCU $5,993
  • % receiving grant aid
  • North Carolina Central University 87%
  • WCU 81%
  • Graduation rate
  • North Carolina Central University 38%
  • WCU 50%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • North Carolina Central University $35,200
  • WCU $39,100
  • Making student loan payments
  • North Carolina Central University 23%
  • WCU 58%
  • Median student loan debt
  • North Carolina Central University $31,000
  • WCU $22,010
  • Median loan payment
  • North Carolina Central University $320
  • WCU $227
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • North Carolina Central University 16:1
  • WCU 16:1
  • Popular majors
  • North Carolina Central University
    • Business (15%)
    • Work and Family Studies (11%)
    • Health Professions (10%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (9%)
    • Psychology (8%)
  • WCU
    • Education (20%)
    • Health Professions (16%)
    • Business (14%)
    • Engineering Technology (8%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (6%)
  • Location
  • North Carolina Central University Durham, NC
  • WCU Cullowhee, NC
  • Setting
  • North Carolina Central University Midsize City
  • WCU Distant Town
  • Total enrollment
  • North Carolina Central University 8,579
  • WCU 11,686
  • Type
  • North Carolina Central University Public 4 Year
  • WCU Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • North Carolina Central University #991
  • WCU #698

Comparable Facts

Compare North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Carolina University is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 8,579 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 8.1% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($12,354 vs. $13,450).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 128.7% higher at North Carolina Central University than at Western Carolina University (about $11,105 more per year; $19,735 vs. $8,630).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at Western Carolina University (87% vs. 81%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 100.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($11,999 vs. $5,993).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 5 points higher at WCU than at North Carolina Central University (22 vs. 17, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both North Carolina Central University and WCU.
  • Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at WCU average a 3.44 high school GPA, 0.17 higher than at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at North Carolina Central University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $8,990 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($22,010 vs. $31,000).
  • Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($227 vs. $320).
  • More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation (58% vs. 23%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

North Carolina Central University
Western Carolina University
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges