University of West Alabama vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL 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 West Alabama based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,820 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama 19:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

University of West Alabama vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama ($12,548 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 34.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,230 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Alabama (about $662 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.4% higher at WKU than at University of West Alabama (about $6,910 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $20,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at University of West Alabama (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 20.8% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($10,921 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Alabama (990) is 40 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming University of West Alabama students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at WKU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 30.2% at WKU.

University of West Alabama vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama 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 West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from University of West Alabama earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,239 lower median loan debt than University of West Alabama graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,489).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of West Alabama graduates ($250 vs. $273).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 36%)

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.