WKU vs. BC

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Brazosport College in Lake Jackson, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than BC based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Brazosport College is in Lake Jackson, TX (Small Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Brazosport College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Brazosport College 20:1.

WKU vs. BC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or BC? 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 Brazosport College than WKU ($11,311 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brazosport College are 21.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,900 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 282.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than BC (about $8,603 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $3,049.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 473.1% higher at WKU than at Brazosport College (about $22,289 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $4,711.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Brazosport College (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 228.7% larger than aid received by Brazosport College students ($10,921 vs. $3,322).

WKU vs. BC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or BC? 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 BC and WKU.

• Brazosport College 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; BC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; BC Aug 15, 2027.

WKU vs. BC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and BC? 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).

• Graduates from Brazosport College earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brazosport College graduates have a $19,000 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($5,250 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, BC graduates have an estimated $196 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($54 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BC students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 43%)

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.