TROY vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Troy University in Troy, AL with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Troy University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (13,658 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Troy University is located in Troy, AL (Rural Fringe setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Troy University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Troy University 16:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

TROY vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, TROY 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 Troy University than WCU ($12,842 vs. $13,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Troy University are 23.1% lower than at Western Carolina University ($9,500 vs. $12,354).
• Troy University is 119.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $5,546 more per year; $10,176.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.8% higher at TROY than at Western Carolina University (about $11,722 more per year; $20,352.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Troy University than at Western Carolina University (88% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Troy University students is 72.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($10,363 vs. $5,993).

TROY vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, TROY 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 TROY.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 100 points higher than at TROY (1080).
• Incoming WCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at TROY).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Troy University 940/1210; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Troy University 18/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: TROY - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman TROY students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at WCU (3.44).
• TROY has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at TROY vs. 12.7% at WCU.

TROY vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for TROY 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 Troy University's (35%).
• Graduates from Troy University earn a median of about $300 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,400 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 TROY graduates ($22,010 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TROY graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TROY students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 33%)

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.