WKU vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

WKU vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan State University ($12,548 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 20.7% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($12,582 vs. $15,864).
• Western Kentucky University is 18.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $1,812 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 174.4% higher at WKU than at Metropolitan State University (about $17,160 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Metropolitan State University (99% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 27.9% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($10,921 vs. $8,538).

WKU vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

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

• 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than WKU (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

WKU vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $6,258 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($17,992 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($186 vs. $250).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.