WKU vs. Youngstown State

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Youngstown State based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 12,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. Youngstown State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Youngstown State? 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 Youngstown State ($12,548 vs. $12,757).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Youngstown State University are 6.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,730 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 4.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Youngstown State (about $539 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $11,113.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.3% higher at WKU than at Youngstown State University (about $15,527 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $11,473.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Youngstown State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 29.7% larger than aid received by Youngstown State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,420).

WKU vs. Youngstown State Admissions comparison

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

• Youngstown State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Youngstown State University (1120) is 170 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Youngstown State students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Youngstown State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Youngstown State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Youngstown State - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Youngstown State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Youngstown State students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Youngstown State (84.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 29.4% at Youngstown State.

WKU vs. Youngstown State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Youngstown State? 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 Youngstown State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Youngstown State University earn a median of about $600 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,700 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 Youngstown State graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Youngstown State graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Youngstown State students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 36%)

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.