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.

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.

  • Western Carolina is a public and Lenoir-Rhyne is a private (not-for-profit) 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

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