WKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Middle Tennessee State University is larger than WKU based on total student enrollment (20,488 students vs. 16,291 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Middle Tennessee State University is in Murfreesboro, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Middle Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Middle Tennessee State University 17:1.

WKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Middle Tennessee 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 Middle Tennessee State University ($12,548 vs. $13,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Middle Tennessee State University are 2.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($12,242 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 13.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Middle Tennessee State University (about $1,386 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,266.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.9% higher at Middle Tennessee State University than at Western Kentucky University (about $4,574 more per year; $31,574.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Middle Tennessee State University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Middle Tennessee State University students ($10,921 vs. $10,665).

WKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Middle Tennessee State University (1120) is 170 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Middle Tennessee State University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Middle Tennessee State University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Middle Tennessee State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Middle Tennessee State University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Middle Tennessee State University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Middle Tennessee State University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Middle Tennessee State University (69.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 30.4% at Middle Tennessee State University.

WKU vs. Middle Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Middle Tennessee 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 Middle Tennessee State University's (45%).
• Graduates from Middle Tennessee State University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a $2,492 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($21,758 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Middle Tennessee State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($224 vs. $250).
• More Middle Tennessee State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.