WKU vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,689 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Columbia College 20:1.

WKU vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College ($12,548 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 24.1% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,552 vs. $12,582).
• Columbia College is 121.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $14,174 more per year; $25,826.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at WKU than at Columbia College (about $1,174 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Columbia College (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($15,882 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia 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; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WKU (3.42).

WKU vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Columbia College? 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 Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $2,216 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,034 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($227 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 40%)

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.