University of Pikeville vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Pikeville in Pikeville, KY 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 Pikeville based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,547 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Pikeville is located in Pikeville, KY (Remote Town setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• University of Pikeville 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 Pikeville 14:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

University of Pikeville vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Pikeville 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 Pikeville ($12,548 vs. $13,227).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pikeville are 28.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,000 vs. $12,582).
• University of Pikeville is 113.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $13,198 more per year; $24,850.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at WKU than at University of Pikeville (about $2,150 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $24,850.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Pikeville as at Western Kentucky University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pikeville students is 85.7% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($20,280 vs. $10,921).

University of Pikeville vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• University of Pikeville reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Pikeville - Open admission; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Pikeville Aug 15, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Pikeville students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at WKU (3.42).

University of Pikeville vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Pikeville 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than University of Pikeville's (26%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than University of Pikeville graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than University of Pikeville graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Pikeville graduates ($250 vs. $253).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Pikeville students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 39%)

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.