WKU vs. Northern Michigan University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Northern Michigan University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 7,409 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Northern Michigan University is in Marquette, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Northern Michigan University 18:1.

WKU vs. Northern Michigan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University ($12,548 vs. $15,707).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 5.2% lower than at Northern Michigan University ($12,582 vs. $13,274).
• Northern Michigan University is 22.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $2,625 more per year; $14,277.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.5% higher at WKU than at Northern Michigan University (about $7,227 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $19,773.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Northern Michigan University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Michigan University students is 10% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,012 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Northern Michigan University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan 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; Northern Michigan University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Northern Michigan University (3.33).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Northern Michigan University (84%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 15.3% at Northern Michigan University.

WKU vs. Northern Michigan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Northern Michigan 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 Northern Michigan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Northern Michigan University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have a $1,958 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,292 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Northern Michigan University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($230 vs. $250).
• More Northern Michigan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.