WKU vs. Franklin University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Franklin University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 9,457 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Franklin University is in Columbus, OH (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Franklin University 17:1.

WKU vs. Franklin University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Franklin 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 Western Kentucky University than Franklin University ($12,548 vs. $25,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 24.8% lower than at Franklin University ($12,582 vs. $16,740).
• Western Kentucky University is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Franklin University (about $2,075 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 181.9% higher at WKU than at Franklin University (about $17,423 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $9,577.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Franklin University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 111.4% larger than aid received by Franklin University students ($10,921 vs. $5,166).

WKU vs. Franklin University Admissions comparison

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

• Franklin University 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; Franklin University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.

WKU vs. Franklin University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Franklin 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 Franklin University's (19%).
• Graduates from Franklin University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,100 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Franklin University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Franklin University graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Franklin University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 38%)

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.