WKU vs. Kent State University at Stark

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Kent State University at Stark in North Canton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Kent State University at Stark based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,569 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Kent State University at Stark is in North Canton, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Stark is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Kent State University at Stark 24:1.

WKU vs. Kent State University at Stark Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Kent State University at Stark? 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 Kent State University at Stark than WKU ($10,861 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Stark are 6.1% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($11,810 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 55.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kent State University at Stark (about $4,160 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at WKU than at Kent State University at Stark (about $9,658 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Kent State University at Stark (99% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 111.8% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Stark students ($10,921 vs. $5,156).

WKU vs. Kent State University at Stark Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Kent State University at Stark? 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 Kent State University at Stark and WKU.

• Kent State University at Stark reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• 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; Kent State University at Stark - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Kent State University at Stark Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Kent State University at Stark (3.16).

WKU vs. Kent State University at Stark Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Kent State University at Stark? 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 Kent State University at Stark's (23%).
• Graduates from Kent State University at Stark earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $1,575 lower median loan debt than Kent State University at Stark graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State University at Stark graduates ($250 vs. $267).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State University at Stark 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.