WCU vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

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

Portland State University is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WCU vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WCU or Portland State University? 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 Portland State University than WCU ($10,195 vs. $13,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 10% lower than at Portland State University ($12,354 vs. $13,728).
• Portland State University is 152.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $7,049 more per year; $11,679.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 260.1% higher at Portland State University than at Western Carolina University (about $22,444 more per year; $31,074.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Portland State University than at Western Carolina University (89% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Portland State University students is 77.4% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($10,629 vs. $5,993).

WCU vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WCU or Portland State University? 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 Portland State University and WCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 50 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming WCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 1080/1270; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Carolina University 19/25; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WCU - Test optional; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at WCU vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

WCU vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WCU and Portland State University? 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 Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Portland State University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $624 lower median loan debt than Portland State University graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,634).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Portland State University graduates ($227 vs. $234).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (58% vs. 55%)

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.