Skip to content

Western Kentucky University vs Simmons College of Kentucky

Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY, and Simmons College of Kentucky is a private college in Louisville, KY. Western Kentucky University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 94% of applicants against 100% at Simmons College of Kentucky. Western Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,990 a year against $18,434 at Simmons College of Kentucky. About 55% of students graduate at Western Kentucky University, compared with 24% at Simmons College of Kentucky.

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public

Simmons College of Kentucky

Louisville, KY · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Louisville, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,155
481
Acceptance rate
94%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
840–1050
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
16–21
13–15
Test policy
Considered
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$10,990
$18,434
Full cost / yr
$24,188
$26,596
In-state tuition
$11,652
$16,398
Out-of-state tuition
$27,000
$16,398
Application fee
$50
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,087
$18,434
$30k - $48k
$6,871
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$9,765
Not reported
$75k - $110k
$14,049
Not reported
Over $110k
$17,653
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
24%
Freshman retention
78%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,156
$22,732
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,889
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$22,095
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
30%
41%
First-generation students
36%
47%
International students
1%
0%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Western Kentucky University or Simmons College of Kentucky harder to get into?
Western Kentucky University is harder to get into. It admits about 94% of applicants, compared with 100% at Simmons College of Kentucky. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Western Kentucky University or Simmons College of Kentucky?
Western Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,990 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,434 at Simmons College of Kentucky. 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 Western Kentucky University and Simmons College of Kentucky?
Before aid, Western Kentucky University costs about $24,188 a year and Simmons College of Kentucky about $26,596. 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, Western Kentucky University or Simmons College of Kentucky?
Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 there, against about $18,434 at Simmons College of Kentucky. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Western Kentucky University or Simmons College of Kentucky?
Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 481 at Simmons College of Kentucky.
Does Western Kentucky University or Simmons College of Kentucky have a better graduation rate?
Western Kentucky University has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 24% at Simmons College of Kentucky.
Do Western Kentucky University and Simmons College of Kentucky require SAT or ACT scores?
Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Simmons College of Kentucky is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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