WKU vs. MSU Billings

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than MSU Billings based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 4,129 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WKU vs. MSU Billings Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or MSU Billings? 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 MSU Billings ($12,548 vs. $15,018).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Montana State University Billings are 20.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,980 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 60.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Billings (about $4,372 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at WKU than at Montana State University Billings (about $4,103 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $22,897.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Montana State University Billings (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 49.3% larger than aid received by Montana State University Billings students ($10,921 vs. $7,313).

WKU vs. MSU Billings Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or MSU Billings? 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 MSU Billings 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; MSU Billings - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at MSU Billings (3.05).

WKU vs. MSU Billings Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and MSU Billings? 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 Montana State University Billings's (33%).
• Graduates from Montana State University Billings earn a median of about $700 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montana State University Billings graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($17,500 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, MSU Billings graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($180 vs. $250).
• More MSU Billings graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.