East-West University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare East West University in Chicago, IL 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 East-West University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 468 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East West University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• East West University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East West University 20:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

East-West University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, East-West University 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 Western Kentucky University than East-West University ($12,548 vs. $21,872).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East West University are 28.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,000 vs. $12,582).
• East West University is 117.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $13,743 more per year; $25,395.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.3% higher at WKU than at East West University (about $1,605 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $25,395.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at East West University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East West University students is 7.8% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,772 vs. $10,921).

East-West University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, East-West University 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 East-West University.

• East West University 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: East-West University - Open admission; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.75 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at East-West University (2.67).

East-West University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for East-West University 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 East West University's (8%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than East-West University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $27,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $82 lower median loan debt than East-West University graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,332).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than East-West University graduates ($250 vs. $251).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former East-West University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 17%)

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.