WKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

WKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($12,548 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 15% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($12,582 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 264% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $30,767 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.1% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Western Kentucky University (about $15,419 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students is 175% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($30,033 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (1010) is 60 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (79.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

WKU vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's (49%).
• Graduates from Johnson & Wales University Charlotte earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,650 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($24,250 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($250 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.