Academic Comparison between WKU and UAB

Western Kentucky University and University of Alabama at Birmingham are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. WKU is located in Bowling Green, KY and UAB is located in Birmingham, AL.

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 UAB ($22,562).
  • It is harder to admit to UAB than WKU.
  • UAB has a higher submitted SAT score (930) than WKU (930).
  • UAB has higher submitted ACT score (18) than WKU (18).
  • UAB has more students with 20,905 students while WKU has 16,291 students.
  • UAB has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while WKU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UAB has more full-time faculties with 2,756 faculties while WKU has 637 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
WKU UAB
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Kentucky Universityvs.University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bowling Green, KentuckyLocationBirmingham, Alabama
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,652
Out-Of-State$27,000
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,098
Out-Of-State$22,562
87%% Receiving Financial Aid73%
$9,681Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,950
93.87 %Acceptance Rates88.18 %
30.18 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.07 %
930SAT Score1,340
18ACT Score26
56 %Graduation Rate64 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate19 %
78 %Retention Rate80 %
16,291Student Population20,905
637Number of Faculties2,756
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
More Rivals