WKU vs. Concord University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Concord University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,943 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Concord University is in Athens, WV (Remote Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Concord University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Concord University 16:1.

WKU vs. Concord University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Concord 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 Concord University than WKU ($11,379 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concord University are 0.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,546 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Concord University (about $988 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,664.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at WKU than at Concord University (about $5,000 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $22,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Concord University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Concord University students is 1.4% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,072 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Concord University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Concord University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Concord University and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Concord University (960) is 10 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Concord University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Concord University 830/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Concord University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Concord University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman WKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Concord University (3.4).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Concord University (92.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 18.2% at Concord University.

WKU vs. Concord University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Concord University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Concord University's (34%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,000 more per year than Concord University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $33,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Concord University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Concord University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($201 vs. $250).
• More Concord University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.