WKU vs. TSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Texas Southern University in Houston, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than TSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 8,704 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Texas Southern University is in Houston, TX (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Texas Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Texas Southern University 19:1.

WKU vs. TSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or TSU? 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 TSU ($12,548 vs. $13,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 1.7% lower than at Texas Southern University ($12,582 vs. $12,800).
• Western Kentucky University is 27% more expensive for in-state tuition than TSU (about $2,479 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,173.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.7% higher at WKU than at Texas Southern University (about $5,527 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,473.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Texas Southern University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Texas Southern University students ($10,921 vs. $9,823).

WKU vs. TSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 50 points higher than at TSU (900).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at TSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Texas Southern University 800/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Texas Southern University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; TSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; TSU Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at TSU (3.0).
• TSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 17.9% at TSU.

WKU vs. TSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and TSU? 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 Texas Southern University's (12%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $900 more per year than TSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $5,108 lower median loan debt than TSU graduates ($24,250 vs. $29,358).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than TSU graduates ($250 vs. $303).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former TSU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 22%)

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.