Winston-Salem State University vs Western Carolina University
Winston-Salem State University is a public university in Winston-Salem, NC. Western Carolina University is a public university in Cullowhee, NC. Winston-Salem State University admits about 78% of applicants and Western Carolina University about 82%, making Winston-Salem State 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 $13,479 at Winston-Salem State University. About 60% of students graduate at Western Carolina University, compared with 48% at Winston-Salem State University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Carolina University alumni earn a median of about $49,458, against $45,344 for Winston-Salem State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Cullowhee, NC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
4,170
10,024
Acceptance rate
78%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
830–1020
1080–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
15–20
19–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,479
$13,315
Full cost / yr
$23,147
$19,992
In-state tuition
$6,126
$4,630
Out-of-state tuition
$16,782
$8,630
Application fee
$50
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,463
$8,816
$30k - $48k
$12,412
$10,012
$48k - $75k
$14,681
$12,605
$75k - $110k
$18,813
$17,060
Over $110k
$21,405
$17,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
60%
Freshman retention
77%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,557
$43,085
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,344
$49,458
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,868
Student body
Pell grant recipients
65%
35%
First-generation students
35%
33%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jun 28
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 Winston-Salem State University or Western Carolina University harder to get into?
- Winston-Salem State University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% 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, Winston-Salem State 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 $13,479 at Winston-Salem State 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 Winston-Salem State University and Western Carolina University?
- Before aid, Western Carolina University costs about $19,992 a year and Winston-Salem State University about $23,147. 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, Winston-Salem State University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,816 there, against about $11,463 at Winston-Salem State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Winston-Salem State University or Western Carolina University?
- Western Carolina University is the larger of the two, with about 10,024 undergraduates against 4,170 at Winston-Salem State University.
- Does Winston-Salem State University or Western Carolina University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Carolina University has the higher graduation rate, at about 60% against 48% at Winston-Salem State University.
- Do graduates of Winston-Salem 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 $45,344 for Winston-Salem State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Winston-Salem State University and Western Carolina University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem State University and Western Carolina University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 830–1020 at Winston-Salem State University and 1080–1270 at Western Carolina University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Winston-Salem State University vs Davidson CollegeWinston-Salem State University vs Johnson C Smith UniversityWinston-Salem State University vs Queens University of CharlotteWestern Carolina University vs Duke UniversityWestern Carolina University vs Wake Forest UniversityWestern Carolina University vs North Carolina A & T State University
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