WKU vs. WNC

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Western Nevada College in Carson City, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than WNC based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 4,284 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Western Nevada College is in Carson City, NV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Nevada College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Western Nevada College 15:1.

WKU vs. WNC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or WNC? 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 WNC ($12,548 vs. $14,929).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 29.3% lower than at Western Nevada College ($12,582 vs. $17,788).
• Western Kentucky University is 179.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WNC (about $7,484 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $4,168.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.4% higher at WKU than at Western Nevada College (about $14,166 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $12,834.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Western Nevada College (99% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Kentucky University students is 85.9% larger than aid received by Western Nevada College students ($10,921 vs. $5,874).

WKU vs. WNC Admissions comparison

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

• Western Nevada 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; WNC - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.

WKU vs. WNC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and WNC? 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 $3,400 more per year than WNC graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $33,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Nevada College graduates have a $12,934 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($11,316 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, WNC graduates have an estimated $133 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($117 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WNC students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 30%)

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.