WKU vs. Seattle Central

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Seattle Central College in Seattle, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Seattle Central based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,396 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Seattle Central College is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Central College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Seattle Central College 17:1.

WKU vs. Seattle Central Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Seattle Central? 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 Seattle Central College than WKU ($11,187 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 33.9% lower than at Seattle Central College ($12,582 vs. $19,041).
• Western Kentucky University is 124.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle Central (about $6,468 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $5,184.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 370% higher at WKU than at Seattle Central College (about $21,255 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $5,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Seattle Central College (99% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 60.5% larger than aid received by Seattle Central College students ($10,921 vs. $6,805).

WKU vs. Seattle Central Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Seattle Central? 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 Seattle Central and WKU.

• Seattle Central College 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; Seattle Central - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Seattle Central Aug 31, 2027.

WKU vs. Seattle Central Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Seattle Central? 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).

• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Seattle Central graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $35,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle Central College graduates have a $14,360 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($9,890 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Seattle Central graduates have an estimated $148 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($102 vs. $250).

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.