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Warren Wilson College vs Carolina University

Warren Wilson College is a private college in Swannanoa, NC, and Carolina University is a private university in Winston-Salem, NC. Carolina University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 40% of applicants against 71% at Warren Wilson College. Carolina University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,828 a year against $21,249 at Warren Wilson College. About 42% of students graduate at Warren Wilson College, compared with 24% at Carolina University. Ten years after enrolling, Warren Wilson College alumni earn a median of about $36,260, against $32,864 for Carolina University.

Warren Wilson College

Swannanoa, NC · Private

Carolina University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Swannanoa, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
707
460
Acceptance rate
71%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.24–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1315
840–1060
ACT (middle 50%)
25–29
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,249
$20,828
Full cost / yr
$56,966
$32,680
In-state tuition
$41,500
$17,575
Out-of-state tuition
$41,500
$17,575
Application fee
$0
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,566
$17,738
$30k - $48k
$17,514
$17,560
$48k - $75k
$21,046
$22,993
$75k - $110k
$25,834
$23,597
Over $110k
$27,982
$24,152
Outcomes
Graduation rate
42%
24%
Freshman retention
71%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$27,723
$30,657
Median earnings (10 yr)
$36,260
$32,864
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$20,287
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
37%
First-generation students
20%
33%
International students
3%
33%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 15
Jul 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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Warren Wilson College or Carolina University harder to get into?
Carolina University is harder to get into. It admits about 40% of applicants, compared with 71% at Warren Wilson College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Warren Wilson College or Carolina University?
Carolina University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,828 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,249 at Warren Wilson College. 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 Warren Wilson College and Carolina University?
Before aid, Carolina University costs about $32,680 a year and Warren Wilson College about $56,966. 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, Warren Wilson College or Carolina University?
Warren Wilson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,566 there, against about $17,738 at Carolina University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Warren Wilson College or Carolina University?
Warren Wilson College is the larger of the two, with about 707 undergraduates against 460 at Carolina University.
Does Warren Wilson College or Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
Warren Wilson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 42% against 24% at Carolina University.
Do graduates of Warren Wilson College or Carolina University earn more?
Warren Wilson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $36,260 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,864 for Carolina University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Warren Wilson College and Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
Warren Wilson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Carolina University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Warren Wilson College and Carolina University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1315 at Warren Wilson College and 840–1060 at Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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