WKU vs. Lane College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Lane College based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 738 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Lane College is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lane College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Lane College 15:1.

WKU vs. Lane College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Lane College? 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 Lane College than WKU ($11,803 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lane College are 39.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($7,610 vs. $12,582).
• Lane College is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $138 more per year; $11,790.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 129% higher at WKU than at Lane College (about $15,210 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $11,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Lane College (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lane College students is 7% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,689 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Lane College Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Lane College - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Lane College Aug 21, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.85 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lane College (2.57).

WKU vs. Lane College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Lane College? 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 Lane College's (34%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Lane College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $12,214 lower median loan debt than Lane College graduates ($24,250 vs. $36,464).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lane College graduates ($250 vs. $377).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lane College students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 12%)

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.