Academic Comparison between Western Carolina University and Lenoir-Rhyne University

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

  • Western Carolina University is a public and Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private (not-for-profit) 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

Western Carolina Universityvs.Lenoir-Rhyne University
Cullowhee, North CarolinaLocationHickory, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$4,532
Out-Of-State$8,532
2024 Tuition & Fees$30,900
96%% Receiving Financial Aid91%
$4,444Average Amount of Financial Aid$32,218
86.66 %Acceptance Rates80.68 %
13.35 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)7.42 %
1,155SAT Score-
23ACT Score-
60 %Graduation Rate51 %
28 %Transfer-out Rate-
71 %Retention Rate71 %
11,635Student Population2,354
544Number of Faculties140
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services