Friends University vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

Compare Friends University in Wichita, KS with Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Friends University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (1,961 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Friends University is located in Wichita, KS (Large City setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Friends University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Friends University 12:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Friends University vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Friends University or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than Friends University ($17,124 vs. $28,889).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 26.9% lower than at Friends University ($8,261 vs. $11,295).
• Friends University is 10.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union Commonwealth University (about $3,246 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $30,946.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.5% higher at Friends University than at Union Commonwealth University (about $3,246 more per year; $34,192.00 vs. $30,946.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Friends University as at Union Commonwealth University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 24.9% larger than aid received by Friends University students ($26,961 vs. $21,579).

Friends University vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Friends University or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University and Friends University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Friends University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Friends University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 960/1090; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Friends University 15/28; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Friends University - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Friends University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Union Commonwealth University has a higher acceptance rate (63.2%) than Friends University (55.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 44.7% at Friends University vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Friends University vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Friends University and Union Commonwealth 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Friends University's (27%).
• Graduates from Friends University earn a median of about $11,700 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,500 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $512 lower median loan debt than Friends University graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,512).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Friends University graduates ($248 vs. $253).
• More Friends University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.