Union Commonwealth University vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, KY with West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Liberty University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or West Liberty University? 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 Liberty University than Union Commonwealth University ($13,655 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 35.1% lower than at West Liberty University ($8,261 vs. $12,728).
• Union Commonwealth University is 248% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $22,053 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.4% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at West Liberty University (about $13,504 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at West Liberty University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 272% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($26,961 vs. $7,248).

Union Commonwealth University vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth University or West Liberty University? 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 West Liberty University and Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is the same as at West Liberty University (1010).
• Incoming West Liberty University 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; West Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; West Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth University and West Liberty University? 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).

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from West Liberty University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have a $617 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, Union Commonwealth University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($248 vs. $254).
• More West Liberty University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Commonwealth University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.