IWU vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Indiana Wesleyan University Marion in Marion, 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 IWU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,204 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is located in Marion, IN (Distant Town setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 12:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

IWU vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IWU 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 IWU ($12,548 vs. $23,402).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion are 13.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,868 vs. $12,582).
• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion is 177.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $20,700 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at IWU than at Western Kentucky University (about $5,352 more per year; $32,352.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Indiana Wesleyan University Marion students is 96% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($21,405 vs. $10,921).

IWU vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IWU 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 IWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Indiana Wesleyan University Marion (1070) is 120 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming IWU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 960/1180; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana Wesleyan University Marion 19/28; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IWU - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman IWU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than IWU (88.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at IWU vs. 30.2% at WKU.

IWU vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IWU 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).

• Indiana Wesleyan University Marion's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Indiana Wesleyan University Marion earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana Wesleyan University Marion graduates have a $146 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($24,104 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, IWU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($249 vs. $250).
• More IWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (55% 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.