WKU vs. Wilberforce University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Wilberforce University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 838 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Wilberforce University is in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilberforce University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Wilberforce University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wilberforce University are 31.9% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($8,564 vs. $12,582).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at WKU than at Wilberforce University (about $10,552 more per year; $27,000 vs. $16,448).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wilberforce University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wilberforce University students is 84.4% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($20,143 vs. $10,921).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 2 points higher at WKU than at Wilberforce University (18 vs. 16, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both WKU and Wilberforce University.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027; Wilberforce University Jul 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at WKU average a 3.42 high school GPA, 0.6 higher than at Wilberforce University (2.82).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 8.2% at Wilberforce University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,750 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Wilberforce University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($214 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilberforce University students, three years after graduation (47% vs. 39%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.