WKU vs. ENMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus in Portales, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than ENMU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is in Portales, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus 18:1.

WKU vs. ENMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or ENMU? 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 Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus than WKU ($6,416 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus are 32.9% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,446 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 62% more expensive for in-state tuition than ENMU (about $4,458 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,194.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 194.3% higher at WKU than at Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus (about $17,826 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $9,174.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University as at Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus (99% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus students is 7.7% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,757 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. ENMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is the same as at ENMU (950).
• Incoming ENMU 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: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus 830/1060.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); ENMU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; ENMU Aug 24, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at ENMU (3.23).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than ENMU (91.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 37% at ENMU.

WKU vs. ENMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and ENMU? 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 Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus's (24%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than ENMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $33,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus graduates have a $9,983 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($14,267 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, ENMU graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($147 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ENMU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 46%)

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.