Delaware State University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Delaware State University in Dover, DE 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 Delaware State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,327 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Delaware State University is located in Dover, DE (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Delaware 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: Delaware State University 17:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Delaware State University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Delaware 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 Western Kentucky University than Delaware State University ($12,548 vs. $13,953).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 24.5% lower than at Delaware State University ($12,582 vs. $16,664).
• Western Kentucky University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Delaware State University (about $982 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,670.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.9% higher at WKU than at Delaware State University (about $6,366 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $20,634.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Delaware State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Delaware State University students is 21.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($13,309 vs. $10,921).

Delaware State University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Delaware 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 Delaware State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 40 points higher than at Delaware State University (910).
• Incoming Delaware State University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 800/1020; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Delaware State University 20/24; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Delaware State University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Delaware State University Feb 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Delaware State University (3.09).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Delaware State University (46.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.7% at Delaware State University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Delaware State University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Delaware 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 Delaware State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Delaware State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Delaware State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Delaware State University graduates ($250 vs. $294).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Delaware State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 32%)

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.