Oakland City University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakland City University in Oakland City, 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 Oakland City University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakland City University is located in Oakland City, IN (Distant Town setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Oakland City University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakland City University 13:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Oakland City University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakland City 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 Oakland City University ($12,548 vs. $16,437).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland City University are 7.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,600 vs. $12,582).
• Oakland City University is 139.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $16,248 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Oakland City University than at Western Kentucky University (about $900 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland City University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oakland City University students is 138.7% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($26,067 vs. $10,921).

Oakland City University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakland City 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 Oakland City University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oakland City University (1000) is 50 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Oakland City 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: Oakland City University 850/1150; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oakland City University 17/23; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakland City University - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); WKU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Oakland City University Aug 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Oakland City University (3.29).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Oakland City University (82.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at Oakland City University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Oakland City University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakland City 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).

• Oakland City University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Oakland City University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have a $4,050 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,200 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Oakland City University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($208 vs. $250).
• More Oakland City University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.