WKU vs. Johnson University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Johnson University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 978 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. Johnson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Johnson 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 Johnson University ($12,548 vs. $22,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson University are 21.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,900 vs. $12,582).
• Johnson University is 81.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $9,470 more per year; $21,122.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.8% higher at WKU than at Johnson University (about $5,878 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,122.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University as at Johnson University (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson University students is 6.5% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,630 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Johnson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Johnson University (1040) is 90 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Johnson University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Johnson University 960/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Johnson University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Johnson University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Johnson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Johnson University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Johnson University (65.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 32.3% at Johnson University.

WKU vs. Johnson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Johnson 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).

• Johnson University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Johnson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $31,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Johnson University graduates have a $2,870 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,380 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Johnson University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($221 vs. $250).
• More Johnson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.