Thomas More vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas More University in Crestview Hills, 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 Thomas More based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,350 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas More University is located in Crestview Hills, KY (Large Suburban setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Thomas More University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas More University 14:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Thomas More vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Thomas More 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 Thomas More ($12,548 vs. $22,297).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas More University are 21.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,900 vs. $12,582).
• Thomas More University is 241.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $28,148 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.4% higher at Thomas More than at Western Kentucky University (about $12,800 more per year; $39,800.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas More University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas More University students is 149.7% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($27,271 vs. $10,921).

Thomas More vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Thomas More 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 Thomas More.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas More University (1130) is 180 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Thomas More students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas More University 1030/1230; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas More University 21/27; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Thomas More - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Thomas More (3.35).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Thomas More (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Thomas More vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Thomas More vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Thomas More 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).

• Thomas More University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Thomas More University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Thomas More graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Thomas More graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Thomas More graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.