WKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Freed Hardeman University in Henderson, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Freed-Hardeman University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,306 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Freed Hardeman University is in Henderson, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Freed Hardeman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Freed Hardeman University 10:1.

WKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Freed-Hardeman 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 Freed-Hardeman University ($12,548 vs. $20,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Freed Hardeman University are 30.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,740 vs. $12,582).
• Freed Hardeman University is 119.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $13,968 more per year; $25,620.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at WKU than at Freed Hardeman University (about $1,380 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $25,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Freed Hardeman University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Freed Hardeman University students is 65.5% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($18,074 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Freed-Hardeman 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 Freed-Hardeman University and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Freed Hardeman University (1020) is 70 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Freed-Hardeman University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Freed Hardeman University 952/1087.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Freed Hardeman University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Freed-Hardeman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Freed-Hardeman University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Freed-Hardeman University (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 36.4% at Freed-Hardeman University.

WKU vs. Freed-Hardeman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Freed-Hardeman 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).

• The graduation rate at WKU is the same as at Freed Hardeman University (50% vs. 50%).
• Graduates from Freed Hardeman University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Freed-Hardeman University graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Freed-Hardeman University graduates ($250 vs. $268).
• More Freed-Hardeman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.