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Western Carolina University and Fayetteville State University are both public institutions — Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Cullowhee, NC · Public
Acceptance rate: 81.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 10,024
Tuition: $8,630/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 60.3%
Top programs: Health professions, Business and marketing, Education
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Cullowhee, NC with published program strength in Health professions and Business and marketing.
Fayetteville, NC · Public
Acceptance rate: 82.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,762
Tuition: $8,353/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 38.5%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Fayetteville, NC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | Western Carolina University | Fayetteville State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 81.8% | 82.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1080–1270 |
| 890–1090 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–25 | 15–19 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,024 | 5,762 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,630/year | $8,353/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,315 | $7,892 |
| Graduation rate | 60.3% | 38.5% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $49,458 | $40,144 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Cullowhee, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (81.8% vs 82.2%). Fayetteville State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($7,892 vs $13,315). Western Carolina University reports the higher graduation rate (60.3% vs 38.5%). Western Carolina University is the larger undergraduate campus (10,024 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Western Carolina University and Fayetteville State University
Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 81.8%; Fayetteville State University is around 82.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Western Carolina University tuition is $8,630/year. Fayetteville State University is $8,353/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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