WKU vs. Jackson State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Jackson State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,326 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Jackson State University is in Jackson, MS (Midsize City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Jackson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Jackson State University 14:1.

WKU vs. Jackson State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Jackson 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 Jackson State University ($12,548 vs. $23,450).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 12.3% lower than at Jackson State University ($12,582 vs. $14,341).
• Western Kentucky University is 30% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jackson State University (about $2,687 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $8,965.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.7% higher at WKU than at Jackson State University (about $15,035 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $11,965.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Jackson State University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 30.2% larger than aid received by Jackson State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,386).

WKU vs. Jackson State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is the same as at Jackson State University (950).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Jackson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Jackson State University 820/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Jackson State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Jackson State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Jackson State University Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Jackson State University (3.1).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Jackson State University (93.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 6.6% at Jackson State University.

WKU vs. Jackson State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Jackson 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 Jackson State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Jackson State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $32,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Jackson State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $29,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Jackson State University graduates ($250 vs. $299).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jackson State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 36%)

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.