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Western Carolina University and North Carolina Central University are both public institutions — Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and North Carolina Central University in Durham, 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.
Durham, NC · Public
Acceptance rate: 87.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,081
Tuition: $19,735/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 41.6%
Top programs: Social sciences, Business and marketing, Security and law enforcement
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Durham, NC with published program strength in Social sciences and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Western Carolina University | North Carolina Central University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 81.8% | 87.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1080–1270 |
| 1050 average |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 19–25 | 19–22 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 10,024 | 6,081 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,630/year | $19,735/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,315 | $15,359 |
| Graduation rate | 60.3% | 41.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $49,458 | $42,968 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 16.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Cullowhee, NC | Durham, NC |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Business and marketing, Education | Social sciences, Business and marketing, Security and law enforcement |
Western Carolina University is more selective (81.8% vs 87.0% acceptance rate). Western Carolina University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,315 vs $15,359). Western Carolina University reports the higher graduation rate (60.3% vs 41.6%). 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 North Carolina Central University
Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 81.8%; North Carolina Central University is around 87.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Western Carolina University tuition is $8,630/year. North Carolina Central University is $19,735/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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