SBTS vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky 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 SBTS based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 4,298 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is located in Louisville, Kentucky (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 16:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

SBTS vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SBTS 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 SBTS ($12,548 vs. $21,081).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are 32.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,466 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than SBTS (about $606 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.4% higher at WKU than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (about $15,954 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $11,046.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (99% vs. 33%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 577.1% larger than aid received by The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary students ($10,921 vs. $1,613).

SBTS vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SBTS or WKU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WKU and SBTS.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (1120) is 170 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming SBTS students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (23 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1010/1230; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 19/27; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SBTS - Required; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SBTS Jul 15, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than SBTS (55.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.9% at SBTS vs. 30.2% at WKU.

SBTS vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SBTS and WKU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate is 50%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for SBTS.
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University have median earnings of about $37,100 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for SBTS.

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.