University of the Cumberlands vs Western Kentucky University
University of the Cumberlands is a private university in Williamsburg, 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 University of the Cumberlands. Western Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,990 a year against $14,107 at University of the Cumberlands. About 55% of students graduate at Western Kentucky University, compared with 48% at University of the Cumberlands. Ten years after enrolling, University of the Cumberlands alumni earn a median of about $45,036, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Williamsburg, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,941
12,155
Acceptance rate
99%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1160
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
16–23
16–21
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,107
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$25,567
$24,188
In-state tuition
$9,875
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$9,875
$27,000
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,736
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$11,147
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$12,572
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$16,441
$14,049
Over $110k
$18,846
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
55%
Freshman retention
74%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,046
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,036
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$14,911
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
53%
30%
First-generation students
40%
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 the Cumberlands 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 University of the Cumberlands. 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 the Cumberlands or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,990 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $14,107 at University of the Cumberlands. 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 the Cumberlands and Western Kentucky University?
- Before aid, Western Kentucky University costs about $24,188 a year and University of the Cumberlands about $25,567. 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 the Cumberlands or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 there, against about $10,736 at University of the Cumberlands. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of the Cumberlands or Western Kentucky University?
- Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 6,941 at University of the Cumberlands.
- Does University of the Cumberlands or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 48% at University of the Cumberlands.
- Do graduates of University of the Cumberlands or Western Kentucky University earn more?
- University of the Cumberlands alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,036 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of the Cumberlands and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of the Cumberlands is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do University of the Cumberlands and Western Kentucky University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1160 at University of the Cumberlands and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
University of the Cumberlands vs Northern Kentucky UniversityUniversity of the Cumberlands vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityUniversity of the Cumberlands vs University of LouisvilleWestern Kentucky University vs Northern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs Eastern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky University vs University of Louisville
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