WCU vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 11,686 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 0.9% lower than at Western Carolina University ($12,242 vs. $12,354).
• Out-of-state tuition is 265.9% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Western Carolina University (about $22,944 more per year; $31,574 vs. $8,630).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Middle Tennessee State University than at Western Carolina University (94% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students is 78% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($10,665 vs. $5,993).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at WCU (23 vs. 22, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at WCU, required at Middle Tennessee State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at Middle Tennessee State University average a 3.64 high school GPA, 0.2 higher than at WCU (3.44).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $252 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($21,758 vs. $22,010).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($224 vs. $227).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Middle Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation (58% vs. 50%).

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