University of Louisville vs Western Kentucky University
University of Louisville is a public university in Louisville, KY, and Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. University of Louisville is the more selective of the two, admitting about 79% of applicants against 94% at Western Kentucky University. Western Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,990 a year against $17,988 at University of Louisville. About 61% of students graduate at University of Louisville, compared with 55% at Western Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Louisville alumni earn a median of about $53,899, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Louisville, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,727
12,155
Acceptance rate
79%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.39–3.89
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1270
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
19–27
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,988
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$32,941
$24,188
In-state tuition
$13,136
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$29,482
$27,000
Application fee
$30
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,138
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$14,601
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$16,419
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$20,995
$14,049
Over $110k
$25,186
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
61%
55%
Freshman retention
81%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,571
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,899
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
30%
First-generation students
30%
36%
International students
2%
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 University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University harder to get into?
- University of Louisville is harder to get into. It admits about 79% 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, University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,990 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,988 at University of Louisville. 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 University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Western Kentucky University costs about $24,188 a year and University of Louisville about $32,941. 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, University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 there, against about $15,138 at University of Louisville. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University?
- University of Louisville is the larger of the two, with about 14,727 undergraduates against 12,155 at Western Kentucky University.
- Does University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- University of Louisville has the higher graduation rate, at about 61% against 55% at Western Kentucky University.
- Do graduates of University of Louisville or Western Kentucky University earn more?
- University of Louisville alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,899 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Louisville 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 University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1270 at University of Louisville and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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