WKU vs. Wilberforce University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Wilberforce University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 838 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Wilberforce University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilberforce University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Wilberforce University 12:1.

WKU vs. Wilberforce University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University than WKU ($5,533 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilberforce University are 31.9% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,564 vs. $12,582).
• Wilberforce University is 41.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $4,796 more per year; $16,448.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at WKU than at Wilberforce University (about $10,552 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $16,448.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilberforce University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilberforce University students is 84.4% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($20,143 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Wilberforce University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 60 points higher than at Wilberforce University (890).
• Incoming WKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Wilberforce University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Wilberforce University 840/940.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Wilberforce University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Wilberforce University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Wilberforce University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Wilberforce University (2.82).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Wilberforce University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 8.2% at Wilberforce University.

WKU vs. Wilberforce University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Wilberforce 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 Wilberforce University's (30%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Wilberforce University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,750 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($214 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilberforce University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 39%)

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.