Academic Comparison between WKU and Rice University

Western Kentucky University and Rice University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. WKU is a four-year, public school located in Bowling Green, KY and Rice University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Houston, TX.

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.

  • WKU is a public and Rice University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Rice University has more expensive tuition & fees ($58,128) than WKU ($27,000).
  • It is harder to admit to Rice University than WKU.
  • Rice University has a higher submitted SAT score (945) than WKU (945).
  • Rice University has higher submitted ACT score (18) than WKU (18).
  • WKU has more students with 16,493 students while Rice University has 8,672 students.
  • Rice University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while WKU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Rice University has more full-time faculties with 698 faculties while WKU has 658 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Kentucky Universityvs.Rice University
Bowling Green, KentuckyLocationHouston, Texas
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,436
Out-Of-State$27,000
2024 Tuition & Fees$58,128
85%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$8,499Average Amount of Financial Aid$48,958
96.99 %Acceptance Rates8.00 %
37.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)46.00 %
945SAT Score1,550
18ACT Score35
51 %Graduation Rate93 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate-
77 %Retention Rate98 %
16,493Student Population8,672
658Number of Faculties698
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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