Oakwood University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakwood University in Huntsville, 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 Oakwood University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,226 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Oakwood University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakwood 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 Oakwood University ($12,548 vs. $26,730).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakwood University are 25.4% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,384 vs. $12,582).
• Oakwood University is 93.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $10,860 more per year; $22,512.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at WKU than at Oakwood University (about $4,488 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $22,512.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Oakwood University as at Western Kentucky University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakwood University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($13,356 vs. $10,921).

Oakwood University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakwood 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 Oakwood University.

• 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: Oakwood University - Test-free; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Oakwood University (2.99).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Oakwood University (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.1% at Oakwood University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Oakwood University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakwood 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 Oakwood University's (35%).
• Graduates from Oakwood University earn a median of about $300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than Oakwood University graduates ($24,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oakwood University graduates ($250 vs. $320).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakwood University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 27%)

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.