Academic Comparison between ETSU and Western Carolina

East Tennessee State University and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. ETSU is located in Johnson City, TN and Western Carolina is 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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • ETSU has more expensive tuition & fees ($13,726) than Western Carolina ($8,630).
  • It is harder to admit to Western Carolina than ETSU.
  • Western Carolina has a higher submitted SAT score (1,080) than ETSU (1,080).
  • Both ETSU and Western Carolina have the same submitted ACT scores (23).
  • ETSU has more students with 13,728 students while Western Carolina has 11,686 students.
  • ETSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Western Carolina's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • ETSU has more full-time faculties with 703 faculties while Western Carolina has 549 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

East Tennessee State Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Johnson City, TennesseeLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$10,216
Out-Of-State$13,726
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
84%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$11,795Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,267
86.19 %Acceptance Rates81.83 %
24.68 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.70 %
1,080SAT Score1,180
23ACT Score23
53 %Graduation Rate60 %
22 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
76 %Retention Rate79 %
13,728Student Population11,686
703Number of Faculties549
15 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 services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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