University of Indianapolis vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN 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 University of Indianapolis based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,000 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Indianapolis is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• University of Indianapolis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Indianapolis 12:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

University of Indianapolis vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Indianapolis 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 University of Indianapolis ($12,548 vs. $22,662).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 19% lower than at University of Indianapolis ($12,582 vs. $15,542).
• University of Indianapolis is 219.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $25,548 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at University of Indianapolis than at Western Kentucky University (about $10,200 more per year; $37,200.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Indianapolis than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Indianapolis students is 173% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($29,818 vs. $10,921).

University of Indianapolis vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Indianapolis 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 University of Indianapolis.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Indianapolis (1070) is 120 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming University of Indianapolis students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Indianapolis 960/1170; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Indianapolis 18/25; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Indianapolis - Test-free; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of Indianapolis (3.31).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than University of Indianapolis (66.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.6% at University of Indianapolis vs. 30.2% at WKU.

University of Indianapolis vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Indianapolis 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).

• University of Indianapolis's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Indianapolis earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,800 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 University of Indianapolis graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Indianapolis graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More University of Indianapolis graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.