Academic Comparison between Western Carolina and Mercer

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

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 Mercer is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,180) than Western Carolina (1,180).
  • Mercer has higher submitted ACT score (23) 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

Western Carolina Universityvs.Mercer University
Cullowhee, North CarolinaLocationMacon, Georgia
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
2025 Tuition & Fees$31,565
65%% Receiving Financial Aid94%
$6,267Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,862
81.83 %Acceptance Rates68.89 %
12.70 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)12.71 %
1,180SAT Score1,250
23ACT Score28
60 %Graduation Rate70 %
27 %Transfer-out Rate16 %
79 %Retention Rate82 %
11,686Student Population9,196
549Number of Faculties476
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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
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