Union Commonwealth University vs. Cottey College

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with Cottey College in Nevada, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union Commonwealth University is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Cottey College is in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Cottey College 6:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Cottey College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or Cottey College? 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 Cottey College than Union Commonwealth University ($14,704 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 26.5% lower than at Cottey College ($8,261 vs. $11,240).
• Union Commonwealth University is 12.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cottey College (about $3,384 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $27,562.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.3% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Cottey College (about $3,384 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $27,562.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University as at Cottey College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Cottey College students ($26,961 vs. $24,565).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Cottey College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth University or Cottey College? 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 Cottey College and Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 70 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Cottey College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Cottey College 1030/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Cottey College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; Cottey College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cottey College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Cottey College has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 21.6% at Cottey College.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Cottey College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University and Cottey College? 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).

• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($12,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($124 vs. $248).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 42%)

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.