Academic Comparison between Samford University and Western Carolina University

Samford University and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Samford University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Birmingham, AL 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.

  • Samford University is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Carolina University is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Samford University has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,144) than Western Carolina University ($8,532).
  • It is harder to admit to Samford University than Western Carolina University.
  • Samford University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,160) than Western Carolina University (1,155).
  • Samford University has higher submitted ACT score (25) than Western Carolina University (23).
  • Western Carolina University has more students with 11,635 students while Samford University has 5,682 students.
  • Samford University has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Western Carolina University's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina University has more full-time faculties with 544 faculties while Samford University has 362 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Samford Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Birmingham, AlabamaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$38,1442024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,532
Out-Of-State$8,532
97%% Receiving Financial Aid96%
$20,171Average Amount of Financial Aid$4,444
82.01 %Acceptance Rates87.00 %
29.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.00 %
1,160SAT Score1,155
25ACT Score23
77 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate28 %
91 %Retention Rate71 %
5,682Student Population11,635
362Number of Faculties544
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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
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