WKU vs. RSU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than RSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,272 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Rogers State University is in Claremore, OK (Distant Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rogers State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Rogers State University 18:1.

WKU vs. RSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or RSU? 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 RSU ($12,548 vs. $15,314).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rogers State University are 21.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,882 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 50.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than RSU (about $3,902 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.5% higher at WKU than at Rogers State University (about $10,590 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $16,410.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Rogers State University (99% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 55.1% larger than aid received by Rogers State University students ($10,921 vs. $7,040).

WKU vs. RSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or RSU? 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 RSU 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; RSU - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at RSU (3.4).

WKU vs. RSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and RSU? 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 Rogers State University's (23%).
• Graduates from Rogers State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rogers State University graduates have a $8,100 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($16,150 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, RSU graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($166 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RSU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 46%)

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.