Lenoir-Rhyne University vs Western Carolina University
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private university in Hickory, NC. Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. Western Carolina University admits about 82% of applicants and Lenoir-Rhyne University about 85%, making Western Carolina University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,315 a year at Western Carolina University after aid, and about $20,689 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. About 60% of students graduate at Western Carolina University, compared with 49% at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median of about $49,458, against $45,543 for Lenoir-Rhyne University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hickory, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,359
10,024
Acceptance rate
85%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
970–1170
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,689
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$44,621
$19,992
In-state tuition
$31,900
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$31,900
$8,630
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,669
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$18,768
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$17,209
$12,605
$75k - $110k
$21,878
$17,060
Over $110k
$25,866
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
60%
Freshman retention
76%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,799
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,543
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
39%
35%
First-generation students
32%
33%
International students
7%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 13
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Lenoir-Rhyne University or Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- Western Carolina University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 85% at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,315 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,689 at Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University and Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Western Carolina University costs about $19,992 a year and Lenoir-Rhyne University about $44,621. 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, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,816 there, against about $18,669 at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Lenoir-Rhyne University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is the larger of the two, with about 10,024 undergraduates against 1,359 at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
- Does Lenoir-Rhyne University or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 49% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
- Do graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne 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 $45,543 for Lenoir-Rhyne University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Lenoir-Rhyne University and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Lenoir-Rhyne University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Lenoir-Rhyne University and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 970–1170 at Lenoir-Rhyne University and 1080–1270 at Western Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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