Williams Baptist University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, AR with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Williams Baptist University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 517 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Williams Baptist University is located in Walnut Ridge, AR (Distant Rural setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Williams Baptist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Williams Baptist University 14:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Williams Baptist University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Williams Baptist University or WKU? 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 Williams Baptist University ($12,548 vs. $12,692).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Williams Baptist University are 25.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,340 vs. $12,582).
• Williams Baptist University is 80.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $9,418 more per year; $21,070.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.1% higher at WKU than at Williams Baptist University (about $5,930 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Williams Baptist University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams Baptist University students is 90.1% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($20,766 vs. $10,921).

Williams Baptist University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Williams Baptist University or WKU? 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 WKU and Williams Baptist University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams Baptist University (990) is 40 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Williams Baptist 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: Williams Baptist University 920/1058; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Williams Baptist University 16/22; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Williams Baptist University - Required; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Williams Baptist University (3.2).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Williams Baptist University (83.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Williams Baptist University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Williams Baptist University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Williams Baptist University and WKU? 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 Williams Baptist University's (35%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Williams Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams Baptist University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Williams Baptist University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($196 vs. $250).
• More Williams Baptist University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.