Academic Comparison between Mercer and Western Carolina

Mercer University and Western Carolina University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Mercer is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Macon, GA 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.

  • Mercer is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Carolina is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Mercer has more expensive tuition & fees ($31,565) than Western Carolina ($8,630).
  • It is harder to admit to Mercer than Western Carolina.
  • Mercer has a higher submitted SAT score (1,250) than Western Carolina (1,180).
  • Mercer has higher submitted ACT score (28) than Western Carolina (23).
  • Western Carolina has more students with 11,686 students while Mercer has 9,196 students.
  • Mercer has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Western Carolina's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina has more full-time faculties with 549 faculties while Mercer has 476 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Mercer Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Macon, GeorgiaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$31,5652025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
94%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$25,862Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,267
68.89 %Acceptance Rates81.83 %
12.71 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.70 %
1,250SAT Score1,180
28ACT Score23
70 %Graduation Rate60 %
16 %Transfer-out Rate27 %
82 %Retention Rate79 %
9,196Student Population11,686
476Number of Faculties549
11 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 servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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