WCU vs. Converse University

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

Western Carolina University
Converse University

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: Converse University (67.7% admitted vs 81.8%). Typical SAT 1130 vs 1180.
  • Cheaper after aid: WCU. Average net price is $13,767 vs $19,061 at Converse University.
  • Graduation: WCU 50% vs Converse University 60%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: WCU $39,100 vs Converse University $33,000 (median).
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Key differences

Western Carolina University Converse University
Acceptance rate
Converse University more selective
WCU81.8%
Converse University67.7%
SAT range (middle 50%)
WCU higher
WCU1080-1270
Converse University1010-1250
Average net price
WCU $5,294 less
WCU$13,767
Converse University$19,061
In-state tuition
WCU $20,610 less
WCU$4,630
Converse University$25,240
Out-of-state tuition
WCU $16,610 less
WCU$8,630
Converse University$25,240
Graduation rate
Converse University +10 pts
WCU50%
Converse University60%
Median earnings (10 years)
WCU +$6,100
WCU$39,100
Converse University$33,000

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • WCU 19,742
  • Converse University 2,979
  • Admitted
  • WCU 16,154
  • Converse University 2,018
  • Acceptance rate
  • WCU 81.8%
  • Converse University 67.7%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • WCU 12.7%
  • Converse University 12%
  • Typical SAT score
  • WCU 1180
  • Converse University 1130
  • Typical ACT score
  • WCU 22
  • Converse University 22
  • Average high school GPA
  • WCU 3.44
  • Converse University 3.89
  • Typical high school grades
  • WCU B+
  • Converse University A
  • Admissions standards
  • WCU Moderate
  • Converse University Moderate
  • Applicant competition
  • WCU
  • Converse University Low
  • SAT range
  • WCU 1080-1270
  • Converse University 1010-1250
  • ACT range
  • WCU 19-25
  • Converse University 19-26
  • Submit test scores
  • WCU Test optional
  • Converse University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • WCU Mar 1, 2027
  • Converse University Aug 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • WCU $4,630
  • Converse University $25,240
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • WCU $8,630
  • Converse University $25,240
  • Room & board
  • WCU $12,354
  • Converse University $13,380
  • Average net price
  • WCU $13,767
  • Converse University $19,061
  • Average grant aid
  • WCU $5,993
  • Converse University $18,575
  • % receiving grant aid
  • WCU 81%
  • Converse University 96%
  • Graduation rate
  • WCU 50%
  • Converse University 60%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • WCU $39,100
  • Converse University $33,000
  • Making student loan payments
  • WCU 58%
  • Converse University 58%
  • Median student loan debt
  • WCU $22,010
  • Converse University $26,952
  • Median loan payment
  • WCU $227
  • Converse University $278
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • WCU 16:1
  • Converse University 12:1
  • Popular majors
  • WCU
    • Education (20%)
    • Health Professions (16%)
    • Business (14%)
    • Engineering Technology (8%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (6%)
  • Converse University
    • Visual and Performing Arts (20%)
    • Education (20%)
    • Psychology (10%)
    • Business (9%)
    • English and Literature (9%)
  • Location
  • WCU Cullowhee, NC
  • Converse University Spartanburg, SC
  • Setting
  • WCU Distant Town
  • Converse University Small City
  • Total enrollment
  • WCU 11,686
  • Converse University 1,787
  • Type
  • WCU Public 4 Year
  • Converse University Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • WCU #698
  • Converse University #685

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Converse University in Spartanburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Converse University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,787 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 7.7% lower than at Converse University ($12,354 vs. $13,380).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 192.5% higher at Converse University than at Western Carolina University (about $16,610 more per year; $25,240 vs. $8,630).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Converse University than at Western Carolina University (96% vs. 81%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Converse University students is 209.9% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($18,575 vs. $5,993).

Admissions details

  • Incoming WCU students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 22) as students at Converse University (22).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both WCU and Converse University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; Converse University Aug 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Converse University average a 3.89 high school GPA, 0.45 higher than at WCU (3.44).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 12% at Converse University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,942 lower median loan debt than Converse University graduates ($22,010 vs. $26,952).
  • Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Converse University graduates ($227 vs. $278).
  • More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Converse University students, three years after graduation (58% vs. 58%).

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

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