Kentucky vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than WKU based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 16,291 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, KY (Large City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kentucky 18:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Kentucky vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kentucky 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 Kentucky ($12,548 vs. $21,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 21.4% lower than at University of Kentucky ($12,582 vs. $16,016).
• University of Kentucky is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $1,850 more per year; $13,502.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.4% higher at Kentucky than at Western Kentucky University (about $7,140 more per year; $34,140.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at University of Kentucky (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kentucky students is 18.1% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,898 vs. $10,921).

Kentucky vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 230 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Kentucky students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 1070/1290; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kentucky 21/28; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kentucky - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kentucky Feb 15, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kentucky students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Kentucky (92.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at Kentucky vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Kentucky vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kentucky 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 Kentucky's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($235 vs. $250).
• More Kentucky graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.