Academic Comparison between Lenoir-Rhyne University and Western Carolina University

Lenoir-Rhyne University and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Lenoir-Rhyne University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Hickory, NC and Western Carolina University is a four-year, public school located in Cullowhee, NC.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Carolina University is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lenoir-Rhyne University has more expensive tuition & fees ($30,900) than Western Carolina University ($8,532).
  • It is harder to admit to Lenoir-Rhyne University than Western Carolina University.
  • Western Carolina University has more students with 11,635 students while Lenoir-Rhyne University has 2,354 students.
  • Lenoir-Rhyne University has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Western Carolina University's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina University has more full-time faculties with 544 faculties while Lenoir-Rhyne University has 140 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Lenoir-Rhyne Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Hickory, North CarolinaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$30,9002024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,532
Out-Of-State$8,532
91%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$32,218Average Amount of Financial Aid$4,444
81.00 %Acceptance Rates87.00 %
7.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.00 %
-SAT Score1,155
-ACT Score23
51 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate28 %
71 %Retention Rate71 %
2,354Student Population11,635
140Number of Faculties544
11 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare