WKU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,256 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($12,548 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 6.1% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,582 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 173.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $20,248 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Western Kentucky University (about $4,900 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 114.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($23,467 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University 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; Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

WKU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir Rhyne University's (47%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University 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.