North Carolina A & T State University vs Western Carolina University
North Carolina A & T State University is a public university in Greensboro, NC, and Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. North Carolina A & T State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 50% of applicants against 82% at Western Carolina University. North Carolina A & T State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,846 a year against $13,315 at Western Carolina University. About 60% of students graduate at Western Carolina University, compared with 56% at North Carolina A & T State University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median of about $49,458, against $44,440 for North Carolina A & T State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Greensboro, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
12,182
10,024
Acceptance rate
50%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–4
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1020–1190
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,846
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$20,427
$19,992
In-state tuition
$6,813
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$20,673
$8,630
Application fee
$60
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,223
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$9,462
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$11,973
$12,605
$75k - $110k
$16,454
$17,060
Over $110k
$17,311
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
60%
Freshman retention
78%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,638
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,440
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
52%
35%
First-generation students
28%
33%
International students
0%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jun 1
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 North Carolina A & T State University or Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- North Carolina A & T State University is harder to get into. It admits about 50% of applicants, compared with 82% 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.
- Which is cheaper, North Carolina A & T State University or Western Carolina University?
- North Carolina A & T State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,846 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 North Carolina A & T State University and Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Western Carolina University costs about $19,992 a year and North Carolina A & T State University about $20,427. 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, North Carolina A & T State University or Western Carolina University?
- North Carolina A & T State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,223 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, North Carolina A & T State University or Western Carolina University?
- North Carolina A & T State University is the larger of the two, with about 12,182 undergraduates against 10,024 at Western Carolina University.
- Does North Carolina A & T State University or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 56% at North Carolina A & T State University.
- Do graduates of North Carolina A & T 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 $44,440 for North Carolina A & T State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do North Carolina A & T State University and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- North Carolina A & T State 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 North Carolina A & T State University and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1020–1190 at North Carolina A & T State University and 1080–1270 at Western Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
North Carolina A & T State University vs Duke UniversityNorth Carolina A & T State University vs Wake Forest UniversityNorth Carolina A & T State University vs University of North Carolina WilmingtonWestern Carolina University vs Duke UniversityWestern Carolina University vs Wake Forest UniversityWestern Carolina University vs University of North Carolina Wilmington
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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