WKU vs. Lenoir-Rhyne University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Lenoir-Rhyne University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,256 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Lenoir Rhyne University is in Hickory, NC (Small City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 6.1% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($12,582 vs. $13,400).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Western Kentucky University (about $4,900 more per year; $31,900 vs. $27,000).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 114.9% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($23,467 vs. $10,921).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at WKU, test-free at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at WKU average a 3.42 high school GPA, 0.01 higher than at Lenoir-Rhyne University (3.41).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation (66% vs. 47%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.