Albany State University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Albany State University in Albany, GA with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Albany State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,768 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Albany State University is located in Albany, GA (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Albany State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Albany State University 21:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Albany State University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Albany State University or WKU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Albany State University than WKU ($11,484 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Albany State University are 5.4% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,899 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 106% more expensive for in-state tuition than Albany State University (about $5,996 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $5,656.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.7% higher at WKU than at Albany State University (about $9,992 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,008.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Albany State University (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 28.4% larger than aid received by Albany State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,503).

Albany State University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Albany State University or WKU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WKU and Albany State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 130 points higher than at Albany State University (820).
• Incoming WKU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Albany State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Albany State University 740/900; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Albany State University 15/18; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Albany State University - Not reported; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Albany State University (2.77).

Albany State University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Albany State University and WKU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Albany State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Albany State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Albany State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $33,250).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Albany State University graduates ($250 vs. $343).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Albany State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 19%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.