Anderson University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN 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 Anderson University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Anderson University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson 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 Western Kentucky University than Anderson University ($12,548 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 1.7% lower than at Anderson University ($12,582 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 219.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $25,588 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.9% higher at Anderson University than at Western Kentucky University (about $10,240 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 137.6% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($25,946 vs. $10,921).

Anderson University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson 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 Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Anderson University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Anderson University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 47%)

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.