WKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Southeast Missouri State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 9,501 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Southeast Missouri State University is in Cape Girardeau, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southeast Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Southeast Missouri State University 20:1.

WKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University ($12,548 vs. $16,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southeast Missouri State University are 3.1% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,198 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southeast Missouri State University (about $1,749 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 172.6% higher at WKU than at Southeast Missouri State University (about $17,097 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $9,903.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Southeast Missouri State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 28.3% larger than aid received by Southeast Missouri State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,512).

WKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 10 points higher than at Southeast Missouri State University (940).
• Incoming WKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Southeast Missouri State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Southeast Missouri State University 850/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Southeast Missouri State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Southeast Missouri State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Southeast Missouri State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southeast Missouri State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Southeast Missouri State University (73.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 17.9% at Southeast Missouri State University.

WKU vs. Southeast Missouri State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Southeast Missouri 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 Southeast Missouri State University's (46%).
• Graduates from Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have a $1,723 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,527 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Southeast Missouri State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($232 vs. $250).
• More Southeast Missouri State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.