Western Carolina University vs California State University-Long Beach
Cullowhee, NC — Long Beach, CA
| Metric | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC | California State University-Long Beach Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Cullowhee, NC | Long Beach, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 10,024 | 35,924 |
| Acceptance Rate | 81.8% | 46.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,157 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $4,630 | $7,350 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $8,630 | $19,950 |
| Avg Net Price | $13,315 | $10,440 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,868 | $14,289 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 59.7% | 69.3% |
| Retention Rate | 79.1% | 86.8% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $43,085 | $50,062 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $49,458 | $64,403 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 329300.0% | 894200.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC
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California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Western Carolina University and California State University-Long Beach compare?▼
Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, NC) has an acceptance rate of 81.8%, in-state tuition of $4,630, and median 10-year earnings of $49,458. California State University-Long Beach (Long Beach, CA) has an acceptance rate of 46.3%, in-state tuition of $7,350, and median 10-year earnings of $64,403.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Western Carolina University or California State University-Long Beach?▼
California State University-Long Beach graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $64,403 vs $49,458. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Western Carolina University or California State University-Long Beach?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Long Beach is the more affordable option at $10,440 per year versus $13,315.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
California State University-Long Beach has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 69.3% vs 59.7%.
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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.
Related
Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025