WKU vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

WKU vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University ($12,548 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 12.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,000 vs. $12,582).
• Tusculum University is 151% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $17,598 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.3% higher at Tusculum University than at Western Kentucky University (about $2,250 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Tusculum University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 117.6% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($23,759 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tusculum University (1010) is 60 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Tusculum University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

WKU vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Tusculum University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.