Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

University of North Carolina at Charlotte vs Western Carolina University

Charlotte, NC · Cullowhee, NC · Source: IPEDS federal database

University of North Carolina at CharlotteWestern Carolina University
Acceptance Rate80.2%86.7%
In-State Tuition$7,214$4,532
Out-of-State Tuition$21,876$8,532
Average Net Price$13,768$12,252
Graduation Rate68.0%59.0%

GradFax Analysis

University of North Carolina at Charlotte accepts 80.2% of applicants. Western Carolina University accepts 86.7%. University of North Carolina at Charlotte's in-state tuition is $7,214. Western Carolina University's is $4,532. Western Carolina University is cheaper. University of North Carolina at Charlotte graduates 68% of students in 6 years. Western Carolina University graduates 59%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →University of North Carolina at Charlotte profileWestern Carolina University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, University of North Carolina at Charlotte or Western Carolina University?

University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It accepts 80.2% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is University of North Carolina at Charlotte or Western Carolina University more affordable?

Western Carolina University, on average. After aid, students pay $12,252/year versus $13,768/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

University of North Carolina at Charlotte: 68% of students finish in 6 years. Western Carolina University is at 59%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte vs Western Carolina University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax