Athens State University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Athens State University in Athens, AL with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Athens State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,986 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Athens State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Athens State University 14:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Athens State University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Athens State University or WKU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Western Kentucky University and Athens State University ($11,652.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between WKU and Athens State University ($27,000.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Athens State University (99% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or WKU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WKU and Athens State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWestern Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWestern Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.

Athens State University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and WKU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate is 50%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Athens State University.
• Graduates from Athens State University earn a median of about $5,100 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Athens State University graduates have a $5,716 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($18,534 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Athens State University graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($191 vs. $250).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 47%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.