Academic Comparison between USM and WKU

University of Southern Mississippi and Western Kentucky University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. USM is located in Hattiesburg, MS and WKU is located in Bowling Green, KY.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • WKU has more expensive tuition & fees ($27,000) than USM ($11,998).
  • It is harder to admit to WKU than USM.
  • USM has higher submitted ACT score (24) than WKU (18).
  • WKU has more students with 16,291 students while USM has 13,170 students.
  • USM has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while WKU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • USM has more full-time faculties with 668 faculties while WKU has 637 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Southern Mississippivs.Western Kentucky University
Hattiesburg, MississippiLocationBowling Green, Kentucky
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$9,998
Out-Of-State$11,998
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,652
Out-Of-State$27,000
83%% Receiving Financial Aid87%
$10,055Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,681
99.12 %Acceptance Rates93.87 %
24.98 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)30.18 %
-SAT Score930
24ACT Score18
49 %Graduation Rate56 %
-Transfer-out Rate2 %
72 %Retention Rate78 %
13,170Student Population16,291
668Number of Faculties637
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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