Kentucky vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kentucky is larger than WCU based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 11,686 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Western Carolina University is in Cullowhee, NC (Distant Town setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Western Carolina University 16:1.

Kentucky vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky or WCU? 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 Carolina University than Kentucky ($13,767 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Carolina University are 22.9% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,354 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 191.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $8,872 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 295.6% higher at Kentucky than at Western Carolina University (about $25,510 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Kentucky than at Western Carolina University (95% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 115.2% larger than aid received by Western Carolina University students ($12,898 vs. $5,993).

Kentucky vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky or WCU? 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 WCU and Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is the same as at WCU (1180).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WCU (3.44).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than WCU (81.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Kentucky vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky and WCU? 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 Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $740 lower median loan debt than Kentucky graduates ($22,010 vs. $22,750).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kentucky graduates ($227 vs. $235).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (62% vs. 58%)

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.