WKU vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

WKU vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than WKU ($11,055 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 7% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,582 vs. $13,522).
• Western Kentucky University is 21.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $2,082 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.1% higher at WKU than at West Virginia State University (about $12,010 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at West Virginia State University (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 21.4% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,993).

WKU vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 50 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

WKU vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($240 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU 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.