Spalding University vs Western Kentucky University
Spalding University is a private university in Louisville, KY, and Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. Western Kentucky University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 94% of applicants against 99% at Spalding University. Western Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,990 a year against $25,491 at Spalding University. About 55% of students graduate at Western Kentucky University, compared with 54% at Spalding University. Ten years after enrolling, Spalding University alumni earn a median of about $49,438, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Louisville, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
583
12,155
Acceptance rate
99%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
875–1038
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
15–22
16–21
Test policy
Required
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,491
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$45,530
$24,188
In-state tuition
$29,200
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$29,200
$27,000
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,509
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$22,475
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$24,378
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$28,122
$14,049
Over $110k
$29,278
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
55%
Freshman retention
64%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,870
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,438
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$25,250
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
30%
First-generation students
35%
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 Spalding 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 99% at Spalding 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, Spalding University or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,990 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,491 at Spalding 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 Spalding University and Western Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Western Kentucky University costs about $24,188 a year and Spalding University about $45,530. 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, Spalding University or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 there, against about $20,509 at Spalding University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Spalding University or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 583 at Spalding University.
- Does Spalding University or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 54% at Spalding University.
- Do graduates of Spalding University or Western Kentucky University earn more?
- Spalding University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,438 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Spalding University and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Spalding University requires SAT or ACT scores. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Spalding University and Western Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 875–1038 at Spalding University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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