WKU vs. Central State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Central State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Central State University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Central State University 16:1.

WKU vs. Central State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Central 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 Central State University than WKU ($11,398 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central State University are 4.4% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,026 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 44.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $3,594 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 168.4% higher at WKU than at Central State University (about $16,942 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University as at Central State University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 70.8% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($18,654 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Central State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 90 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming WKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Central State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 19.4% at Central State University.

WKU vs. Central State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Central 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 Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $14,750 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $153 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($250 vs. $403).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 16%)

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.