WKU vs. Bowie State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Bowie State University in Bowie, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bowie State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,353 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

WKU vs. Bowie State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Bowie State University? 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 Bowie State University ($12,548 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 2.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,241 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 26.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $2,434 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.4% higher at WKU than at Bowie State University (about $7,062 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $19,938.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Bowie State University (99% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 60.2% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($10,921 vs. $6,819).

WKU vs. Bowie State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Bowie State University? 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 Bowie State University and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 10 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Bowie State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

WKU vs. Bowie State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Bowie State University? 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 Bowie State University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $141 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($250 vs. $252).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 29%)

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.