WKU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

WKU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University ($12,548 vs. $14,586).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 11.4% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,150 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 35.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $3,036 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.4% higher at WKU than at Tennessee State University (about $4,584 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Tennessee State University (99% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 13% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($10,921 vs. $9,661).

WKU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tennessee State University (970) is 20 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming WKU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

WKU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($250 vs. $289).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 29%)

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.