| Western Carolina vs. UNC |
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
#30 in Federal Region IV Universities #14 in North Carolina Colleges | Rankings* | #30 in National Universities #56 in World University Rankings #3 in North Carolina Colleges |
| Public, four-years Doctoral/Research University | School Type | Public, four-years Research University (very high research activity) |
| Offered Degrees | ||
| Bachelor's Post-BS Certificate Master's Post-MS Certificate Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) | Offered Degree | 1-2 Years Certificate Bachelor's Post-BS Certificate Master's Post-MS Certificate Doctorate (Research) Doctorate (Professional Practice) |
| 2025 Tuition & Fees | ||
| cheaper$4,630 North Carolina Residents $8,630 Out-of-State | Undergraduate Tuition | expensive$8,994 North Carolina Residents $41,203 Out-of-State |
| cheaper$7,876 North Carolina Residents $18,595 Out-of-State | Graduate Tuition | expensive$12,751 North Carolina Residents $31,408 Out-of-State |
| Less$4,565 | Average Financial Aid Amount | More$15,205 |
| Admission | ||
| Lower1,180 SAT 23 ACT | Test Scores | Higher1,480 SAT 31 ACT |
| Easier81.83% | Acceptance Rate | Tighter15.34% |
| Lower12.70% | Yield (Enrollment Rate) | Favorable45.45% |
| High School GPA High School Rank High School Record Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommendations Admission Test Scores English Proficiency Test Work experience Personal statement or essay | Application Requirements (Required or Considered) | High School GPA High School Rank High School Record Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommendations Formal Demonstration of Competencies Admission Test Scores English Proficiency Test Work experience Personal statement or essay Legacy status |
| Dual Credits Advanced placement (AP) Credits Credits for Life Experiences Credit for Military Training | Accepted Credits | Dual Credits Advanced placement (AP) Credits Credits for Life Experiences Credit for Military Training |
| Enrollment | ||
| Smaller11,686 | Total Enrollment | Larger32,438 |
| Smaller10,112 | Undergraduate Student Population | Larger20,885 |
| Smaller1,574 | Graduate Student Population | Larger11,553 |
| Larger2,836 | Online Student Population | Smaller1,858 |
| Completion & Outcomes | ||
| Lower60% | Graduate Rate | Higher91% |
| Higher27% | Transfer-out Rate | Lower5% |
| Lower79% | Retention Rate | Higher97% |
| Special Learning Opportunity | ||
| Study Abroad Teacher Certificate | Special learning Opportunity | ROTC Study Abroad Evening/Weekend College Teacher Certificate |
| ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 4,347) | Campus Housing | ✔ (Dormitory Capacity: 9,925) |
| ✔ (Typical Annual Charge: $5,029) | Board/Meal Plan | ✔ (Typical Annual Charge: $5,240) |
| Faculty | ||
| More Students per Faculty16 to 1 | Student to Faculty Ratio | Less Students per Faculty15 to 1 |
| 769 | Number of faculty | 2,519 |
| Lower$81,749 | Average Faculty Salary | Higher$136,550 |
*Ranking data is from College Evaluator.