Union Commonwealth University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth University or WVSU? 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 Virginia State University than Union Commonwealth University ($11,055 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 38.9% lower than at West Virginia State University ($8,261 vs. $13,522).
• Union Commonwealth University is 223.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $21,376 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.4% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at West Virginia State University (about $15,956 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at West Virginia State University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 199.8% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($26,961 vs. $8,993).

Union Commonwealth University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 110 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Union Commonwealth University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 17) as students at WVSU (17).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Union Commonwealth University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($240 vs. $248).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 35%)

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.