WCU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 1,184 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 16.5% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($12,354 vs. $14,800).
• Out-of-state tuition is 391.5% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Western Carolina University (about $33,789 more per year; $42,419 vs. $8,630).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Western Carolina University (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 401.1% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($30,033 vs. $5,993).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at WCU than at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (22 vs. 19, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both WCU and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $4,890 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($22,010 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $51 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($227 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation (66% vs. 58%).

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