University of North Carolina Wilmington vs Western Carolina University
University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public university in Wilmington, NC, and Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. University of North Carolina Wilmington is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 82% at Western Carolina University. Western Carolina University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,315 a year against $20,109 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. About 71% of students graduate at University of North Carolina Wilmington, compared with 60% at Western Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, University of North Carolina Wilmington alumni earn a median of about $54,967, against $49,458 for Western Carolina University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Wilmington, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
14,922
10,024
Acceptance rate
64%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1230–1340
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
19–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,109
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$26,547
$19,992
In-state tuition
$7,277
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$24,152
$8,630
Application fee
$80
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,778
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$12,572
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$17,378
$12,605
$75k - $110k
$24,046
$17,060
Over $110k
$25,573
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
60%
Freshman retention
88%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,972
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,967
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
24%
35%
First-generation students
26%
33%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 University of North Carolina Wilmington or Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- University of North Carolina Wilmington is harder to get into. It admits about 64% 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, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,315 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,109 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. 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 University of North Carolina Wilmington and Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Western Carolina University costs about $19,992 a year and University of North Carolina Wilmington about $26,547. 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, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,816 there, against about $10,778 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of North Carolina Wilmington or Western Carolina University?
- University of North Carolina Wilmington is the larger of the two, with about 14,922 undergraduates against 10,024 at Western Carolina University.
- Does University of North Carolina Wilmington or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- University of North Carolina Wilmington has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 60% at Western Carolina University.
- Do graduates of University of North Carolina Wilmington or Western Carolina University earn more?
- University of North Carolina Wilmington alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,967 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,458 for Western Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of North Carolina Wilmington and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of North Carolina Wilmington 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 University of North Carolina Wilmington and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1230–1340 at University of North Carolina Wilmington 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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