Academic Comparison between Lenoir-Rhyne and Western Carolina

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

  • Lenoir-Rhyne is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Carolina is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Lenoir-Rhyne has more expensive tuition & fees ($31,900) than Western Carolina ($8,630).
  • It is harder to admit to Western Carolina than Lenoir-Rhyne.
  • Western Carolina has more students with 11,686 students while Lenoir-Rhyne has 2,256 students.
  • Lenoir-Rhyne has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Western Carolina's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina has more full-time faculties with 549 faculties while Lenoir-Rhyne has 127 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Lenoir-Rhyne Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Hickory, North CarolinaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$31,9002025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
88%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$22,999Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,267
84.59 %Acceptance Rates81.83 %
11.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.70 %
-SAT Score1,180
-ACT Score23
48 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate27 %
76 %Retention Rate79 %
2,256Student Population11,686
127Number of Faculties549
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare