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.
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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
86.66 %Acceptance Rates66.46 %
13.35 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.81 %
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
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