WKU vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

WKU vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or South Carolina 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 South Carolina State University ($12,548 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 28.5% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,000 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $592 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.1% higher at WKU than at South Carolina State University (about $5,250 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at South Carolina State University (99% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Carolina State University students is 6% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,579 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 20 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

WKU vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and South Carolina 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 South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $8,955 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($24,250 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($250 vs. $343).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 27%)

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.