Spalding vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Spalding University in Louisville, KY with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia State University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spalding University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spalding University 9:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Spalding vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Spalding ($11,055 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 28.2% lower than at West Virginia State University ($9,710 vs. $13,522).
• Spalding University is 205.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $19,630 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.8% higher at Spalding than at West Virginia State University (about $14,210 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at West Virginia State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 116% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($19,429 vs. $8,993).

Spalding vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding or WVSU? 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 WVSU and Spalding.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spalding University (960) is 60 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Spalding students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 875/1038; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than WVSU (96%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Spalding vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding and WVSU? 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Spalding graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (44% vs. 35%)

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.