WKU vs. SWOSU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than SWOSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,186 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. SWOSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or SWOSU? 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 SWOSU ($12,548 vs. $14,410).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern Oklahoma State University are 39.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($7,634 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 37.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWOSU (about $3,183 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,469.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 217.7% higher at WKU than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (about $18,501 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $8,499.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 22.6% larger than aid received by Southwestern Oklahoma State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,906).

WKU vs. SWOSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or SWOSU? 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 SWOSU and WKU.

• Incoming SWOSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at 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; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; SWOSU - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SWOSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at WKU (3.42).

WKU vs. SWOSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and SWOSU? 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 Southwestern Oklahoma State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Southwestern Oklahoma State University earn a median of about $11,500 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwestern Oklahoma State University graduates have a $8,563 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($15,687 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, SWOSU graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($162 vs. $250).
• More SWOSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.