Spalding vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Spalding University in Louisville, KY 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 Spalding based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spalding University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spalding University 9:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Spalding vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding 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 Spalding ($12,548 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 22.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,710 vs. $12,582).
• Spalding University is 150.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $17,548 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Spalding than at Western Kentucky University (about $2,200 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 77.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($19,429 vs. $10,921).

Spalding vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding 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 Spalding.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spalding University (960) is 10 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Spalding students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at WKU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 875/1038; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at WKU (3.42).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Spalding vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding 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 Spalding University's (42%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Spalding graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spalding students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 44%)

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.