WKU vs. JCSU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,302 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Johnson C Smith University is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Johnson C Smith University 12:1.

WKU vs. JCSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or JCSU? 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 JCSU ($12,548 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 31.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,600 vs. $12,582).
• Johnson C Smith University is 82.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $9,648 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.8% higher at WKU than at Johnson C Smith University (about $5,700 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Johnson C Smith University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 39.5% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($15,238 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. JCSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or JCSU? 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 JCSU and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 60 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming WKU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; JCSU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.94 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 12.8% at JCSU.

WKU vs. JCSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and JCSU? 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 C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $7,800 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($24,250 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $81 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($250 vs. $331).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 26%)

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.