Eastern vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Eastern vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Eastern ($11,055 vs. $12,279).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Kentucky University are 9.3% lower than at West Virginia State University ($12,268 vs. $13,522).
• Eastern Kentucky University is 7.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $750 more per year; $10,320.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.6% higher at Eastern than at West Virginia State University (about $6,240 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at West Virginia State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 27.5% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($11,468 vs. $8,993).

Eastern vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern or WVSU? 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 WVSU and Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Kentucky University (980) is 80 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Eastern (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Eastern vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern and WVSU? 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).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $445 lower median loan debt than Eastern graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,695).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern graduates ($240 vs. $245).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 35%)

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.