Piedmont University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Piedmont University in Demorest, GA 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 Piedmont University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,857 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Piedmont University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Piedmont 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 Piedmont University ($13,767 vs. $22,252).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 5.7% lower than at Piedmont University ($12,354 vs. $13,100).
• Piedmont University is 584.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $27,070 more per year; $31,700.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 267.3% higher at Piedmont University than at Western Carolina University (about $23,070 more per year; $31,700.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Piedmont University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Piedmont University students is 310.8% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($24,618 vs. $5,993).

Piedmont University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 40 points higher than at Piedmont University (1140).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Piedmont University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Piedmont University 1038/1245; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Piedmont University 18/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Piedmont University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Piedmont University Jul 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Piedmont University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Piedmont University has a higher acceptance rate (93.3%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.6% at Piedmont University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Piedmont University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Piedmont 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 Piedmont University's (46%).
• Graduates from Piedmont University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,726 lower median loan debt than Piedmont University graduates ($22,010 vs. $23,736).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Piedmont University graduates ($227 vs. $245).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Piedmont University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 44%)

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.