Academic Comparison between Western Carolina University and Mercer University

Western Carolina University and Mercer 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 Mercer University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Macon, GA.

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 Mercer University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Mercer University has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,380) than Western Carolina University ($8,532).
  • It is harder to admit to Mercer University than Western Carolina University.
  • Mercer University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,155) than Western Carolina University (1,155).
  • Mercer University has higher submitted ACT score (23) than Western Carolina University (23).
  • Western Carolina University has more students with 11,635 students while Mercer University has 8,889 students.
  • Mercer University has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Western Carolina University's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina University has more full-time faculties with 544 faculties while Mercer University has 437 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Western Carolina University Mercer University
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Carolina Universityvs.Mercer University
Cullowhee, North CarolinaLocationMacon, Georgia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$4,532
Out-Of-State$8,532
2024 Tuition & Fees$33,380
96%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$4,444Average Amount of Financial Aid$24,594
87.00 %Acceptance Rates66.00 %
13.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.00 %
1,155SAT Score1,260
23ACT Score28
60 %Graduation Rate73 %
28 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
71 %Retention Rate86 %
11,635Student Population8,889
544Number of Faculties437
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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
More Rivals