WKU vs. Austin Peay State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Austin Peay State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 10,439 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Austin Peay State University is in Clarksville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Austin Peay State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Austin Peay State University 14:1.

WKU vs. Austin Peay State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University than WKU ($9,882 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 6.3% lower than at Austin Peay State University ($12,582 vs. $13,430).
• Western Kentucky University is 29.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Austin Peay State University (about $2,646 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,006.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.9% higher at WKU than at Austin Peay State University (about $12,234 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $14,766.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Austin Peay State University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Austin Peay State University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,290 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Austin Peay State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Austin Peay State University (980) is 30 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Austin Peay State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Austin Peay State University 843/1126.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Austin Peay State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Austin Peay State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Austin Peay State University Aug 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Austin Peay State University (3.3).
• Austin Peay State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 27.5% at Austin Peay State University.

WKU vs. Austin Peay State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Austin Peay State University? 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 Austin Peay State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Austin Peay State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Austin Peay State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($232 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Austin Peay State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 44%)

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.