WKU vs. Southern University and A & M College

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Southern University and A & M College based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 7,452 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Southern University and A & M College is in Baton Rouge, LA (Midsize City setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern University and A & M College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Southern University and A & M College 21:1.

WKU vs. Southern University and A & M College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College ($12,548 vs. $18,353).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern University and A & M College are 36.3% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,018 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 17.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern University and A & M College (about $1,730 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $9,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.3% higher at WKU than at Southern University and A & M College (about $9,728 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $17,272.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Southern University and A & M College (99% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 37.5% larger than aid received by Southern University and A & M College students ($10,921 vs. $7,945).

WKU vs. Southern University and A & M College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College and WKU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Kentucky University (950) is 40 points higher than at Southern University and A & M College (910).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Southern University and A & M College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Southern University and A & M College 790/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Southern University and A & M College 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Southern University and A & M College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Southern University and A & M College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Southern University and A & M College (3.1).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Southern University and A & M College (35.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 20.1% at Southern University and A & M College.

WKU vs. Southern University and A & M College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Southern University and A & M College? 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 Southern University and A & M College's (19%).
• Graduates from Southern University and A & M College earn a median of about $900 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,000 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($24,250 vs. $30,750).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern University and A & M College graduates ($250 vs. $317).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern University and A & M College students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 25%)

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.