Athens State University vs. WKU

Should I go to Athens State University or Western Kentucky University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Athens State University or WKU is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Athens State University vs. Western Kentucky University comparison
Athens State University Western Kentucky University College 3 College 4
Western Kentucky University
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Overview

Athens State University WKU
Location Athens, AL Bowling Green, KY
Setting Town Fringe Small City
Enrollment 2,955 16,759
Type Public 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #968
Religious Affiliation - - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website athens.edu wku.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Athens State University WKU
Tuition (In State) $0 $11,436
Tuition (Out of State) $0 $27,000
Room & Board $0 $12,043
Avg Net Price - $12,054
Avg Grant Aid $0 $10,906
% Receiving Grant Aid 0% 99%

Admission

Athens State University WKU
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied - 7,720
Admitted - 7,492
Acceptance Rate 97%
Enrolled % 37.7%
Avg High School GPA - 3.42
Typical High School Grades - B+
Admissions Standards Unavailable Extremely Easy
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 16/20
SAT Range 820/1010
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2026

Academics

Athens State University WKU
Student to Faculty Ratio 14:1 18:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (16%)
  • Education (12%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (10%)
  • Social Sciences (8%)

Outcomes

Athens State University WKU
Graduation Rate - 50%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $42,200 $37,100
Making Student Loan Payments 49% 47%
Median Student Loan Debt $18,534 $24,250
Median Loan Payment $191 $250

Diversity

Athens State University WKU
% Men 5% 4%
% Women 9% 9%
Racial Diversity Low Low
HBCU No No
% White 78% 76%
% Black 12% 10%
% Hispanic 2% 3%
% Native American 2% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 2% 3%
% International 1% 6%
% Unknown Race 3% 1%

Students

Athens State University WKU
% In-State - 70%
% Out-of-State - 29%

Campus

Athens State University WKU
Campus Housing No Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No
Meal Plan No Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Western Kentucky University is larger than than Athens State University based on total student enrollment (16,759 students vs. 2,955 students)

Athens State University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Athens State University or WKU?

  • Western Kentucky University is ?% more expensive to attend than Athens State University for in-state tuition ($11,436.00 vs. $0.00)
  • Out of state tuition is ?% higher at WKU than Athens State University ($27,000.00 vs. $0.00)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Western Kentucky University than Athens State University (99% vs. 0%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is ?% larger than aid received Athens State University ($10,906 vs. $0)

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or WKU? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between WKU or Athens State University .

Athens State University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Athens State University or WKU? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between WKU and Athens State University.

  • Graduates from Athens State University earn on average $5,100 more per year than WKU graduates after ten years. ($42,200 vs. $37,100)
  • Athens State University students graduate with a $5,716 lower median federal student loan debt than WKU graduates. ($18,534 vs. $24,250)
  • Athens State University graduates are paying $59 less per month on federal student loans 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/