Academic Comparison between Western Carolina and Samford

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

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 Samford is a private (not-for-profit) 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 (1,180) than Samford (1,150).
  • Samford has higher submitted ACT score (23) 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

Western Carolina Universityvs.Samford University
Cullowhee, North CarolinaLocationBirmingham, Alabama
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$4,630
Out-Of-State$8,630
2025 Tuition & Fees$40,150
65%% Receiving Financial Aid99%
$6,267Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,680
81.83 %Acceptance Rates82.36 %
12.70 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.95 %
1,180SAT Score1,150
23ACT Score25
60 %Graduation Rate77 %
27 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate93 %
11,686Student Population6,097
549Number of Faculties372
16 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 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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