ISU vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID 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 ISU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 13,061 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Idaho 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: Idaho State University 14:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

ISU vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Idaho State University than WKU ($12,174 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 37.4% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($7,882 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 35.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $3,042 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,610.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at ISU than at Western Kentucky University (about $720 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Idaho State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 18.5% larger than aid received by Idaho State University students ($10,921 vs. $9,217).

ISU vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• Idaho State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWestern Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Open admission; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at ISU (3.41).

ISU vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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 Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Idaho State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Idaho State University graduates have a $1,300 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($22,950 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($237 vs. $250).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.