WKU vs. Miami University-Hamilton

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Miami University-Hamilton based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,480 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Miami University Hamilton is in Hamilton, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Miami University Hamilton is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Miami University Hamilton 12:1.

WKU vs. Miami University-Hamilton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Miami University-Hamilton? 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 Miami University Hamilton than WKU ($9,786 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Miami University Hamilton are 23.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,590 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 55.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Miami University-Hamilton (about $4,161 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,491.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at WKU than at Miami University Hamilton (about $7,593 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $19,407.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Miami University Hamilton (99% vs. 58%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 111.4% larger than aid received by Miami University Hamilton students ($10,921 vs. $5,166).

WKU vs. Miami University-Hamilton Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Miami University-Hamilton? 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 Miami University-Hamilton and WKU.

• Miami University Hamilton 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; Miami University-Hamilton - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Miami University-Hamilton (3.23).

WKU vs. Miami University-Hamilton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Miami University-Hamilton? 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 Miami University Hamilton's (27%).
• Graduates from Miami University Hamilton earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Miami University-Hamilton graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,750).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Miami University-Hamilton graduates ($250 vs. $255).
• More Miami University-Hamilton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.