Washburn University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Washburn University in Topeka, KS 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 Washburn University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Washburn University is located in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Washburn University 15:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Washburn University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Washburn 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 Washburn University than WKU ($11,488 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 8.6% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,501 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 17.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $1,707 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.9% higher at WKU than at Washburn University (about $6,051 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Washburn University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($10,921 vs. $9,781).

Washburn University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Washburn 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 Washburn University.

• 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: Washburn University - Not reported; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washburn University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at WKU (3.42).

Washburn University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Washburn 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Washburn 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, Washburn University graduates have a $7,350 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($16,900 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($174 vs. $250).
• More Washburn University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.