Western Illinois University vs. KY State

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL with Kentucky State University in Frankfort, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Illinois University is larger than KY State based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 2,020 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, IL (Remote Town setting); Kentucky State University is in Frankfort, KY (Distant Town setting).
• Western Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kentucky State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Illinois University 12:1; Kentucky State University 10:1.

Western Illinois University vs. KY State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois University or KY State? 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 Kentucky State University than Western Illinois University ($9,397 vs. $14,208).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kentucky State University are 23.3% lower than at Western Illinois University ($8,686 vs. $11,320).
• Western Illinois University is 62.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than KY State (about $5,877 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $9,387.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at Western Illinois University than at Kentucky State University (about $1,606 more per year; $15,264.00 vs. $13,658.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kentucky State University than at Western Illinois University (94% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Illinois University students is 45% larger than aid received by Kentucky State University students ($14,994 vs. $10,340).

Western Illinois University vs. KY State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois University or KY State? 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 KY State and Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Illinois University (990) is 70 points higher than at KY State (920).
• Incoming Western Illinois University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 17 at KY State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Kentucky State University 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Kentucky State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; KY State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western Illinois University students have a 0.73 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at KY State (2.72).
• KY State has a higher acceptance rate (96.1%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 27% at KY State.

Western Illinois University vs. KY State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois University and KY State? 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 Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Kentucky State University's (21%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than KY State graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have a $4,296 lower median loan debt than KY State graduates ($24,704 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, Western Illinois University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than KY State graduates ($255 vs. $299).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KY State students, three years after graduation. (61% vs. 24%)

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.