Academic Comparison between Western Carolina and Lenoir-Rhyne

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

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

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$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
2025 Tuition & Fees$31,900
65%% Receiving Financial Aid88%
$6,267Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,999
81.83 %Acceptance Rates84.59 %
12.70 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)11.00 %
1,180SAT Score-
23ACT Score-
60 %Graduation Rate48 %
27 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate76 %
11,686Student Population2,256
549Number of Faculties127
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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