WKU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Lincoln University of Missouri based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,054 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Lincoln University is in Jefferson City, MO (Small City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lincoln University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Lincoln University 11:1.

WKU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University of Missouri ($12,548 vs. $14,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 18.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,256 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 18.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University of Missouri (about $1,856 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,796.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.6% higher at WKU than at Lincoln University (about $9,308 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,692.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Lincoln University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 13.8% larger than aid received by Lincoln University students ($10,921 vs. $9,595).

WKU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University of Missouri and WKU.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Lincoln University of Missouri - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.67 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Lincoln University of Missouri (2.75).

WKU vs. Lincoln University of Missouri Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Lincoln University of Missouri? 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 Lincoln University's (20%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Lincoln University of Missouri graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lincoln University graduates have a $290 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($23,960 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Lincoln University of Missouri graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($247 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University of Missouri students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 37%)

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.