WKU vs. University of Rio Grande

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than University of Rio Grande based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); University of Rio Grande is in Rio Grande, OH (Distant Rural setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rio Grande is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; University of Rio Grande 20:1.

WKU vs. University of Rio Grande Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or University of Rio Grande? 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 University of Rio Grande ($12,548 vs. $24,061).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rio Grande are 16.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,500 vs. $12,582).
• University of Rio Grande is 76.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $8,908 more per year; $20,560.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at WKU than at University of Rio Grande (about $6,440 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $20,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at University of Rio Grande (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 22.6% larger than aid received by University of Rio Grande students ($10,921 vs. $8,910).

WKU vs. University of Rio Grande Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or University of Rio Grande? 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 University of Rio Grande and WKU.

• University of Rio Grande reports an open admissions policy.
• 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.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; University of Rio Grande - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at University of Rio Grande (3.06).

WKU vs. University of Rio Grande Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and University of Rio Grande? 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 University of Rio Grande's (27%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than University of Rio Grande graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Rio Grande graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($211 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Rio Grande students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 35%)

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.