Faulkner vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL 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 Faulkner based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,086 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Faulkner University is located in Montgomery, AL (Midsize City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Faulkner University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Faulkner University 14:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Faulkner vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Faulkner 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 Faulkner ($12,548 vs. $19,920).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Faulkner University are 33.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,350 vs. $12,582).
• Faulkner University is 105.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $12,268 more per year; $23,920.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.9% higher at WKU than at Faulkner University (about $3,080 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $23,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Faulkner University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Faulkner University students is 62.8% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($17,782 vs. $10,921).

Faulkner vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Faulkner 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 Faulkner.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Faulkner University (1010) is 60 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Faulkner students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Faulkner University 886/1135; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Faulkner University 17/23; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Faulkner - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Faulkner (3.36).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Faulkner (73.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.3% at Faulkner vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Faulkner vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Faulkner 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 Faulkner University's (33%).
• Graduates from Faulkner University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Faulkner University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,750 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Faulkner graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($224 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Faulkner students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 30%)

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.