Thomas University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas University in Thomasville, 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 Thomas University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,471 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas University is located in Thomasville, GA (Distant Town setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Thomas 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 University 12:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Thomas University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas 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 Thomas University ($13,767 vs. $17,823).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas University are 34.1% lower than at Western Carolina University ($8,140 vs. $12,354).
• Thomas University is 151.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $7,010 more per year; $11,640.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.9% higher at Thomas University than at Western Carolina University (about $3,010 more per year; $11,640.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas University than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Carolina University students is 14% larger than aid received by Thomas University students ($5,993 vs. $5,256).

Thomas University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• Thomas University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 70 points higher than at Thomas University (1110).
• Incoming Thomas University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at WCU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 990/1220; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas University 20/24; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas University - Open admission; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Thomas University (38.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 70.7% at Thomas University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Thomas University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas 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 Thomas University's (8%).
• Graduates from Western Carolina University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Thomas University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $38,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas University graduates have a $1,390 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,620 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Thomas University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($213 vs. $227).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Thomas University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 36%)

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.