Southern Illinois University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, 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 Southern Illinois University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 11,790 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University ($12,548 vs. $13,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 1.9% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,341 vs. $12,582).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 14.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $1,682 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.5% higher at WKU than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $13,666 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 24.6% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($13,610 vs. $10,921).

Southern Illinois University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Southern Illinois 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: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Southern Illinois University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($232 vs. $250).
• More Southern Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.