WKU vs. Bemidji State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bemidji State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 4,072 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. Bemidji State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Bemidji 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 Western Kentucky University than Bemidji State University ($12,548 vs. $14,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 16.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,462 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bemidji State University (about $1,415 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.7% higher at WKU than at Bemidji State University (about $16,763 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Bemidji State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 38.2% larger than aid received by Bemidji State University students ($10,921 vs. $7,904).

WKU vs. Bemidji State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Bemidji 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 Bemidji State University and WKU.

• Incoming Bemidji 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Bemidji State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Bemidji State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Bemidji State University (3.26).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bemidji State University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 24.2% at Bemidji State University.

WKU vs. Bemidji State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Bemidji 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 Bemidji State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have a $2,946 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,304 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($220 vs. $250).
• More Bemidji State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.