WKU vs. Harris-Stowe State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Harris Stowe State University in Saint Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Harris-Stowe State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,002 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Harris Stowe State University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Harris Stowe State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Harris Stowe State University 12:1.

WKU vs. Harris-Stowe State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Harris-Stowe 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 Harris Stowe State University than WKU ($9,418 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Harris Stowe State University are 14.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,728 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 66.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Harris-Stowe State University (about $4,644 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,008.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 132% higher at WKU than at Harris Stowe State University (about $15,360 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $11,640.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Harris Stowe State University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Harris Stowe State University students is 12.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,325 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Harris-Stowe State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Harris-Stowe 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 Harris-Stowe State University and WKU.

• Harris Stowe State 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; Harris-Stowe State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Harris-Stowe State University (3.04).

WKU vs. Harris-Stowe State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Harris-Stowe 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 Harris Stowe State University's (8%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Harris-Stowe State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $30,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,775 lower median loan debt than Harris-Stowe State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,025).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Harris-Stowe State University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Harris-Stowe State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 27%)

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.