WKU vs. NSC

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Nevada State University in Henderson, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than NSC based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 7,549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Nevada State University is in Henderson, NV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Nevada State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Nevada State University 18:1.

WKU vs. NSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or NSC? 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 NSC ($12,548 vs. $15,699).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nevada State University are 6.1% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,819 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 72.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSC (about $4,887 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $6,765.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.7% higher at WKU than at Nevada State University (about $5,167 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,833.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Nevada State University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 37% larger than aid received by Nevada State University students ($10,921 vs. $7,969).

WKU vs. NSC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or NSC? 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 NSC 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; NSC - Test-free.
• 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 NSC (2.75).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than NSC (86.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 33.2% at NSC.

WKU vs. NSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and NSC? 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 Nevada State University's (22%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nevada State University graduates have a $1,330 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,920 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, NSC graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($236 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSC students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 43%)

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.