Thomas More vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, 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 Thomas More based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 2,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas More University is located in Crestview Hills, KY (Large Suburban setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Thomas More University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas More University 14:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Thomas More vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas More 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 Thomas More ($13,767 vs. $22,297).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas More University are 19.9% lower than at Western Carolina University ($9,900 vs. $12,354).
• Thomas More University is 759.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $35,170 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 361.2% higher at Thomas More than at Western Carolina University (about $31,170 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas More University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas More University students is 355% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($27,271 vs. $5,993).

Thomas More vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas More 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 Thomas More.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Thomas More (1130).
• Incoming Thomas More students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas More University 1030/1230; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas More University 21/27; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas More - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Thomas More (3.35).
• Thomas More has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Thomas More vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Thomas More vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas More 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).

• Thomas More University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Thomas More University earn a median of about $15,400 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,990 lower median loan debt than Thomas More graduates ($22,010 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Thomas More graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More Thomas More graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.