Milikin vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Millikin University in Decatur, 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 Milikin based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Millikin University is located in Decatur, IL (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Millikin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Millikin University 10:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Milikin vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Milikin 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 Milikin ($12,548 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 8.1% lower than at Millikin University ($12,582 vs. $13,695).
• Millikin University is 130.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $15,240 more per year; $26,892.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at WKU than at Millikin University (about $108 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $26,892.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 218% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($34,733 vs. $10,921).

Milikin vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Milikin 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 Milikin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Millikin University (1000) is 50 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Milikin students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 860/1130; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 18/25; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Milikin - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Milikin (3.4).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Milikin (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10% at Milikin vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Milikin vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Milikin 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).

• Millikin University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Millikin University earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Milikin graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milikin graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Milikin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.