WCU vs. Ohio University

Western Carolina University and Ohio University Main Campus side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Western Carolina University
Ohio University Main Campus

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: WCU (81.8% admitted vs 85%). Typical SAT 1180 vs 1190.
  • Cheaper after aid: WCU. Average net price is $13,767 vs $21,907 at Ohio University.
  • Graduation: WCU 50% vs Ohio University 65%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: WCU $39,100 vs Ohio University $44,500 (median).
See your own chances ->

Key differences

Western Carolina University Ohio University Main Campus
Acceptance rate
WCU more selective
WCU81.8%
Ohio University85%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Ohio University higher
WCU1080-1270
Ohio University1090-1290
Average net price
WCU $8,140 less
WCU$13,767
Ohio University$21,907
In-state tuition
WCU $9,528 less
WCU$4,630
Ohio University$14,158
Out-of-state tuition
WCU $16,208 less
WCU$8,630
Ohio University$24,838
Graduation rate
Ohio University +15 pts
WCU50%
Ohio University65%
Median earnings (10 years)
Ohio University +$5,400
WCU$39,100
Ohio University$44,500

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

Admission calculator

Partner

Not sure you'd get in? Check your chances at WCU and Ohio University with Appily's free admission calculator.

Check my chances at WCU Check my chances at Ohio University
  • Applied
  • WCU 19,742
  • Ohio University 27,486
  • Admitted
  • WCU 16,154
  • Ohio University 23,360
  • Acceptance rate
  • WCU 81.8%
  • Ohio University 85%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • WCU 12.7%
  • Ohio University 19.2%
  • Typical SAT score
  • WCU 1180
  • Ohio University 1190
  • Typical ACT score
  • WCU 22
  • Ohio University 25
  • Average high school GPA
  • WCU 3.44
  • Ohio University 3.59
  • Typical high school grades
  • WCU B+
  • Ohio University A-
  • Admissions standards
  • WCU Moderate
  • Ohio University Challenging
  • Applicant competition
  • WCU
  • Ohio University
  • SAT range
  • WCU 1080-1270
  • Ohio University 1090-1290
  • ACT range
  • WCU 19-25
  • Ohio University 22-28
  • Submit test scores
  • WCU Test optional
  • Ohio University Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • WCU Mar 1, 2027
  • Ohio University Feb 1, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • WCU $4,630
  • Ohio University $14,158
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • WCU $8,630
  • Ohio University $24,838
  • Room & board
  • WCU $12,354
  • Ohio University $14,162
  • Average net price
  • WCU $13,767
  • Ohio University $21,907
  • Average grant aid
  • WCU $5,993
  • Ohio University $9,422
  • % receiving grant aid
  • WCU 81%
  • Ohio University 94%
  • Graduation rate
  • WCU 50%
  • Ohio University 65%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • WCU $39,100
  • Ohio University $44,500
  • Making student loan payments
  • WCU 58%
  • Ohio University 51%
  • Median student loan debt
  • WCU $22,010
  • Ohio University $20,500
  • Median loan payment
  • WCU $227
  • Ohio University $211
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • WCU 16:1
  • Ohio University 18:1
  • Popular majors
  • WCU
    • Education (20%)
    • Health Professions (16%)
    • Business (14%)
    • Engineering Technology (8%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (6%)
  • Ohio University
    • Business (18%)
    • Health Professions (15%)
    • Communication (14%)
    • Education (8%)
    • Social Sciences (7%)
  • Location
  • WCU Cullowhee, NC
  • Ohio University Athens, OH
  • Setting
  • WCU Distant Town
  • Ohio University Distant Town
  • Total enrollment
  • WCU 11,686
  • Ohio University 26,323
  • Type
  • WCU Public 4 Year
  • Ohio University Public 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • WCU #698
  • Ohio University #517

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC with Ohio University Main Campus in Athens, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Ohio University Main Campus is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (26,323 students vs. 11,686 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting); Ohio University Main Campus is in Athens, OH (Distant Town setting).
  • Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Carolina University 16:1; Ohio University Main Campus 18:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 12.8% lower than at Ohio University Main Campus ($12,354 vs. $14,162).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 187.8% higher at Ohio University than at Western Carolina University (about $16,208 more per year; $24,838 vs. $8,630).
  • A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio University Main Campus than at Western Carolina University (94% vs. 81%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio University Main Campus students is 57.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($9,422 vs. $5,993).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 3 points higher at Ohio University than at WCU (25 vs. 22, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both WCU and Ohio University.
  • Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027; Ohio University Feb 1, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Ohio University average a 3.59 high school GPA, 0.15 higher than at WCU (3.44).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 19.2% at Ohio University.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio University Main Campus graduates have a $1,510 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,010).
  • Among borrowers, Ohio University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($211 vs. $227).
  • More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ohio University students, three years after graduation (58% vs. 51%).

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

Change schools

You can add up to two more colleges. Each one gets its own column.

Western Carolina University
Ohio University Main Campus
Add a college Compare up to 4

Frequently compared to these colleges