WKU vs. Western New Mexico University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Western New Mexico University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 3,531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Western New Mexico University is in Silver City, NM (Remote Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western New Mexico University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Western New Mexico University 12:1.

WKU vs. Western New Mexico University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU or Western New Mexico 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 New Mexico University than WKU ($9,477 vs. $12,548).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New Mexico University are 13.1% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,940 vs. $12,582).
• Western Kentucky University is 48.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western New Mexico University (about $3,784 more per year; $11,652.00 vs. $7,868.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.3% higher at WKU than at Western New Mexico University (about $12,658 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $14,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Western New Mexico University (99% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New Mexico University students is 16% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($12,666 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Western New Mexico University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU or Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University and WKU.

• Western New Mexico University 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; Western New Mexico University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Western New Mexico University Aug 12, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.92 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Western New Mexico University (2.5).

WKU vs. Western New Mexico University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU and Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University's (13%).
• Graduates from Western Kentucky University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Western New Mexico University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,100 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western New Mexico University graduates have a $3,564 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,686 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Western New Mexico University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($213 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western New Mexico University students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 34%)

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.