WKU vs. Newberry College

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Newberry College based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,536 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. Newberry College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Newberry 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 Western Kentucky University than Newberry College ($12,548 vs. $21,943).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 6.8% lower than at Newberry College ($12,582 vs. $13,500).
• Newberry College is 166.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $19,448 more per year; $31,100.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Newberry College than at Western Kentucky University (about $4,100 more per year; $31,100.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Newberry College (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Newberry College students is 124% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($24,461 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Newberry College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 10 points higher than at Newberry College (940).
• Incoming Newberry College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Newberry College 820/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Newberry College 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Newberry College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Newberry College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Newberry College (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 10.3% at Newberry College.

WKU vs. Newberry College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Newberry 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 Newberry College's (35%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Newberry College graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Newberry College graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Newberry College graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Newberry College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.