Bowie State University vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than West Liberty University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 2,299 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowie State University is located in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowie State University 15:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Bowie State University vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at West Liberty University than Bowie State University ($13,655 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 3.8% lower than at West Liberty University ($12,241 vs. $12,728).
• Bowie State University is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $325 more per year; $9,218.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.3% higher at Bowie State University than at West Liberty University (about $2,496 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at West Liberty University than at Bowie State University (87% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Liberty University students is 6.3% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($7,248 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowie State University or West Liberty University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between West Liberty University and Bowie State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Liberty University (1010) is 70 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Bowie State University vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowie State University and West Liberty University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $226 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($24,391 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($252 vs. $254).
• More West Liberty University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 29%)

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.