Kentucky State University vs Western Kentucky University
Kentucky State University is a public university in Frankfort, KY. Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants and Kentucky State University about 96%, making Western Kentucky University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $8,040 a year at Kentucky State University after aid, and about $10,990 at Western Kentucky University. About 55% of students graduate at Western Kentucky University, compared with 30% at Kentucky State University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Kentucky University alumni earn a median of about $43,889, against $36,382 for Kentucky State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Frankfort, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,309
12,155
Acceptance rate
96%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
820–1010
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
14–17
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,040
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$21,727
$24,188
In-state tuition
$9,387
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$13,658
$27,000
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,225
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$6,739
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$5,256
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$1,958
$14,049
Over $110k
Not reported
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
30%
55%
Freshman retention
64%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$29,640
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$36,382
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$25,938
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
30%
First-generation students
40%
36%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Kentucky State University or Western Kentucky University harder to get into?
- Western Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 96% at Kentucky State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Kentucky State University or Western Kentucky University?
- Kentucky State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,040 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $10,990 at Western Kentucky University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Kentucky State University and Western Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Kentucky State University costs about $21,727 a year and Western Kentucky University about $24,188. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Kentucky State University or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 there, against about $10,225 at Kentucky State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Kentucky State University or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 1,309 at Kentucky State University.
- Does Kentucky State University or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 30% at Kentucky State University.
- Do graduates of Kentucky State University or Western Kentucky University earn more?
- Western Kentucky University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,889 ten years after enrolling, against about $36,382 for Kentucky State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Kentucky State University and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Kentucky State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Kentucky State University and Western Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 820–1010 at Kentucky State University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Kentucky State University vs Berea CollegeKentucky State University vs Centre CollegeKentucky State University vs Asbury UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs Northern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs University of Louisville
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school