Saint Xavier University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Xavier University in Chicago, 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 Saint Xavier University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,485 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Xavier University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Saint Xavier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Xavier University 16:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Saint Xavier University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University than WKU ($11,318 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 2.2% lower than at Saint Xavier University ($12,582 vs. $12,860).
• Saint Xavier University is 225.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $26,288 more per year; $37,940.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.5% higher at Saint Xavier University than at Western Kentucky University (about $10,940 more per year; $37,940.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Xavier University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Xavier University students is 192.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($31,985 vs. $10,921).

Saint Xavier University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Xavier University (1040) is 90 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Saint Xavier University 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: Saint Xavier University 950/1120; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Xavier University 18/24; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Saint Xavier University - Test-free; 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 Saint Xavier University (3.4).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Saint Xavier University (84.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Saint Xavier University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Saint Xavier University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Saint Xavier 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).

• Saint Xavier University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Saint Xavier University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Xavier University graduates have a $228 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Saint Xavier University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($248 vs. $250).
• More Saint Xavier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.