WKU vs. Fayetteville State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Fayetteville State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 7,107 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. Fayetteville State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville State University than WKU ($7,811 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fayetteville State University are 9% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,449 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 167.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fayetteville State University (about $7,299 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $4,353.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 223.2% higher at WKU than at Fayetteville State University (about $18,647 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $8,353.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Fayetteville State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by Fayetteville State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,777).

WKU vs. Fayetteville State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fayetteville State University (990) is 40 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Fayetteville State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Fayetteville State University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Fayetteville State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Fayetteville State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Fayetteville State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Fayetteville State University (3.11).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Fayetteville State University (82.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 14.8% at Fayetteville State University.

WKU vs. Fayetteville State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Fayetteville State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have a $2,089 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,161 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Fayetteville State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($229 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fayetteville State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 28%)

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.