WKU vs. CULVER

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than CULVER based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 1,028 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Culver Stockton College is in Canton, MO (Remote Rural setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Culver Stockton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Culver Stockton College 15:1.

WKU vs. CULVER Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or CULVER? 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 CULVER ($12,548 vs. $21,996).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Culver Stockton College are 17.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,400 vs. $12,582).
• Culver Stockton College is 165% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $19,223 more per year; $30,875.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.4% higher at CULVER than at Western Kentucky University (about $3,875 more per year; $30,875.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Culver Stockton College than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Culver Stockton College students is 102.6% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($22,125 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. CULVER Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or CULVER? 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 CULVER and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Culver Stockton College (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming CULVER students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Culver Stockton College 970/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Culver Stockton College 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); CULVER - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; CULVER Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at CULVER (3.37).
• CULVER has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 10.3% at CULVER.

WKU vs. CULVER Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and CULVER? 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 Culver Stockton College's (41%).
• Graduates from Culver Stockton College earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than CULVER graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CULVER graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More CULVER 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.