Academic Comparison between Samford and Western Carolina

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

  • Samford is a private (not-for-profit) and Western Carolina is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Samford has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,150) than Western Carolina ($8,630).
  • It is harder to admit to Western Carolina than Samford.
  • Western Carolina has a higher submitted SAT score (1,150) than Samford (1,150).
  • Samford has higher submitted ACT score (25) than Western Carolina (23).
  • Western Carolina has more students with 11,686 students while Samford has 6,097 students.
  • Samford has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Western Carolina's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Western Carolina has more full-time faculties with 549 faculties while Samford has 372 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Samford Universityvs.Western Carolina University
Birmingham, AlabamaLocationCullowhee, North Carolina
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
$40,1502025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
99%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$22,680Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,267
82.36 %Acceptance Rates81.83 %
28.95 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.70 %
1,150SAT Score1,180
25ACT Score23
77 %Graduation Rate60 %
-Transfer-out Rate27 %
93 %Retention Rate79 %
6,097Student Population11,686
372Number of Faculties549
14 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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