WKU vs. Bob Jones University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bob Jones University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,734 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Bob Jones University is in Greenville, SC (Small City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bob Jones University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Bob Jones University 11:1.

WKU vs. Bob Jones University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Bob Jones 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 Bob Jones University ($12,548 vs. $19,624).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bob Jones University are 17.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,380 vs. $12,582).
• Bob Jones University is 110% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $12,818 more per year; $24,470.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.3% higher at WKU than at Bob Jones University (about $2,530 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $24,470.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Bob Jones University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bob Jones University students is 57.1% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($17,161 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Bob Jones University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Bob Jones 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 Bob Jones University and WKU.

• Bob Jones University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Bob Jones University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Bob Jones University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bob Jones University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at WKU (3.42).

WKU vs. Bob Jones University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Bob Jones 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).

• Bob Jones University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bob Jones University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Bob Jones University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($196 vs. $250).
• More Bob Jones University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.