WKU vs. Seattle South

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Seattle South based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,210 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); South Seattle College is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Seattle College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; South Seattle College 33:1.

WKU vs. Seattle South Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Seattle South? 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 South Seattle College than WKU ($8,012 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 33.9% lower than at South Seattle College ($12,582 vs. $19,041).
• Western Kentucky University is 122.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle South (about $6,414 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $5,238.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 365.8% higher at WKU than at South Seattle College (about $21,204 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $5,796.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at South Seattle College (99% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 45.9% larger than aid received by South Seattle College students ($10,921 vs. $7,483).

WKU vs. Seattle South Admissions comparison

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

• South Seattle 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 South - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Seattle South Sep 13, 2026.

WKU vs. Seattle South Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Seattle South? 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 South Seattle College earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.

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.