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Transylvania University vs Western Kentucky University

Transylvania University is a private university in Lexington, KY. Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. Transylvania University admits about 87% of applicants and Western Kentucky University about 94%, making Transylvania University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,990 a year at Western Kentucky University after aid, and about $21,913 at Transylvania University. About 71% of students graduate at Transylvania University, compared with 55% at Western Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Transylvania University alumni earn a median of about $54,705, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.

Transylvania University

Lexington, KY · Private

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lexington, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,005
12,155
Acceptance rate
87%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
1120–1380
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
24–30
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,913
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$60,993
$24,188
In-state tuition
$46,870
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$46,870
$27,000
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,551
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$14,555
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$19,272
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$22,155
$14,049
Over $110k
$29,312
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
55%
Freshman retention
87%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,447
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,705
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
26%
30%
First-generation students
16%
36%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Oct 31
Not reported
Early action
Oct 31
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 28
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Transylvania University or Western Kentucky University harder to get into?
Transylvania University is harder to get into. It admits about 87% of applicants, compared with 94% 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.
Which is cheaper, Transylvania 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 $21,913 at Transylvania 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 Transylvania University and Western Kentucky University?
Before aid, Western Kentucky University costs about $24,188 a year and Transylvania University about $60,993. 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, Transylvania University or Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 there, against about $14,551 at Transylvania University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Transylvania University or Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 1,005 at Transylvania University.
Does Transylvania University or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
Transylvania University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 55% at Western Kentucky University.
Do graduates of Transylvania University or Western Kentucky University earn more?
Transylvania University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,705 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Transylvania University and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
Transylvania University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Transylvania University and Western Kentucky University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1120–1380 at Transylvania University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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