DSC vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Dalton State College in Dalton, 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 DSC based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,135 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

DSC vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC 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 Dalton State College than WKU ($5,625 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 17.2% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,419 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 249.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $8,316 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.4% higher at WKU than at Dalton State College (about $16,344 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Dalton State College (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 64.1% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($10,921 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC 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 DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC 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 Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than DSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $9,363 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($14,887 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $97 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($153 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DSC students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 42%)

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.