WKU vs. Shawnee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Shawnee State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,231 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Shawnee State University is in Portsmouth, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shawnee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Shawnee State University 12:1.

WKU vs. Shawnee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University ($12,548 vs. $13,996).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shawnee State University are 0.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,502 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shawnee State University (about $1,026 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.5% higher at WKU than at Shawnee State University (about $9,642 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,358.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Shawnee State University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Shawnee State University students ($10,921 vs. $7,820).

WKU vs. Shawnee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University and WKU.

• Shawnee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Shawnee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Shawnee State University (3.3).

WKU vs. Shawnee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Shawnee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shawnee State University graduates have a $538 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($23,712 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Shawnee State University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($245 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shawnee State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 36%)

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.