WKU vs. EWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than EWU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 10,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Eastern Washington University is in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Eastern Washington University 18:1.

WKU vs. EWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or EWU? 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 EWU ($12,548 vs. $14,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 19.2% lower than at Eastern Washington University ($12,582 vs. $15,574).
• Western Kentucky University is 35.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than EWU (about $3,066 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,586.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4% higher at WKU than at Eastern Washington University (about $1,041 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $25,959.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Eastern Washington University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 9.2% larger than aid received by Eastern Washington University students ($10,921 vs. $10,001).

WKU vs. EWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Washington University (990) is 40 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming EWU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Eastern Washington University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Eastern Washington University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); EWU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; EWU Sep 10, 2026.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at EWU (3.29).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than EWU (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 22.7% at EWU.

WKU vs. EWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and EWU? 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 Washington University's (46%).
• Graduates from Eastern Washington University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Washington University graduates have a $3,432 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,818 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, EWU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($215 vs. $250).
• More EWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.