WKU vs. Purdue Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Purdue Northwest based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 9,051 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Purdue University Northwest is in Hammond, Indiana (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Purdue University Northwest is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Purdue University Northwest 17:1.

WKU vs. Purdue Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Purdue Northwest? 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 Purdue University Northwest than WKU ($7,916 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Purdue University Northwest are 29.2% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,907 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 34.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purdue Northwest (about $2,977 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,675.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.8% higher at WKU than at Purdue University Northwest (about $10,906 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $16,094.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Purdue University Northwest (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 56.2% larger than aid received by Purdue University Northwest students ($10,921 vs. $6,992).

WKU vs. Purdue Northwest Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Purdue Northwest? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Purdue Northwest and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Purdue University Northwest (1020) is 70 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Purdue Northwest students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (20 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Purdue University Northwest 890/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Purdue University Northwest 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Purdue Northwest - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Purdue Northwest Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman WKU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Purdue Northwest (3.19).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Purdue Northwest (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 18.3% at Purdue Northwest.

WKU vs. Purdue Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Purdue Northwest? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate is 50%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Purdue Northwest.
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University have median earnings of about $37,100 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Purdue Northwest.

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.