WKU vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than VSU based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 5,605 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

WKU vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or VSU? 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 VSU ($12,548 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 5.8% lower than at Virginia State University ($12,582 vs. $13,355).
• Western Kentucky University is 16% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $1,609 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at WKU than at Virginia State University (about $4,350 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Virginia State University (99% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 14% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,447 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia State University (960) is 10 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming WKU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at VSU (2.85).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 14.3% at VSU.

WKU vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and VSU? 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 Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $400 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($24,250 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($250 vs. $305).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 28%)

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.