KSU vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kennesaw State University is larger than WKU based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 16,291 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kennesaw State University is located in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Kennesaw 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: Kennesaw State University 23:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

KSU vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KSU 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 KSU ($12,548 vs. $15,636).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 5.3% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($12,582 vs. $13,287).
• Western Kentucky University is 100.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $5,844 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.2% higher at WKU than at Kennesaw State University (about $9,264 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Kennesaw State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 32.8% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,223).

KSU vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KSU 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 KSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 160 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming KSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kennesaw State University 1000/1220; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kennesaw State University 19/26; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KSU - Required; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at KSU (3.33).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38% at KSU vs. 30.2% at WKU.

KSU vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KSU 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).

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $3,050 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,200 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($219 vs. $250).
• More KSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 47%)

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.