Fayetteville State University vs Western Carolina University
Fayetteville State University is a public university in Fayetteville, NC. Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. Both admit about 82% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $7,892 a year at Fayetteville State University after aid, and about $13,315 at Western Carolina University. About 60% of students graduate at Western Carolina University, compared with 37% at Fayetteville State University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median of about $49,458, against $40,144 for Fayetteville State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Fayetteville, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,762
10,024
Acceptance rate
82%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
890–1090
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
19–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,892
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$16,652
$19,992
In-state tuition
$4,353
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$8,353
$8,630
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,233
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$6,908
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$8,983
$12,605
$75k - $110k
$13,354
$17,060
Over $110k
$14,112
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
37%
60%
Freshman retention
75%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$37,831
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$40,144
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$22,987
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
57%
35%
First-generation students
41%
33%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Apr 3
Feb 1
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Fayetteville State University or Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 82% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Fayetteville State University or Western Carolina University?
- Fayetteville State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,892 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,315 at Western Carolina University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Fayetteville State University costs about $16,652 a year and Western Carolina University about $19,992. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fayetteville State University or Western Carolina University?
- Fayetteville State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,233 there, against about $8,816 at Western Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Fayetteville State University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is the larger of the two, with about 10,024 undergraduates against 5,762 at Fayetteville State University.
- Does Fayetteville State University or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 37% at Fayetteville State University.
- Do graduates of Fayetteville State University or Western Carolina University earn more?
- Western Carolina University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,458 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,144 for Fayetteville State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Fayetteville State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 890–1090 at Fayetteville State University and 1080–1270 at Western Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Fayetteville State University vs Duke UniversityFayetteville State University vs Wake Forest UniversityFayetteville State University vs North Carolina A & T State UniversityWestern Carolina University vs Duke UniversityWestern Carolina University vs Wake Forest UniversityWestern Carolina University vs North Carolina A & T State University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school