Columbus State vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbus State University in Columbus, GA 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 Columbus State based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 7,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Columbus 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: Columbus State University 16:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Columbus State vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State or WKU? 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 Columbus State University than WKU ($12,420 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 6.9% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,720 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 97.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,754 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.3% higher at WKU than at Columbus State University (about $9,390 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Columbus State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 21.3% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($10,921 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State or WKU? 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 WKU and Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 20 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Columbus State vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State and WKU? 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 37%)

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.