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Head to head · Kentucky

Eastern Kentucky University vs Western Kentucky University

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, Western Kentucky University is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Eastern Kentucky University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeEastern Kentucky UniversityWestern Kentucky UniversityDifference
Under $30k$8,591$7,087$1,504 · Western Kentucky University
$30–48k$8,005$6,871$1,134 · Western Kentucky University
$48–75k$10,382$9,765$617 · Western Kentucky University
$75–110k$14,384$14,049$335 · Western Kentucky University
Over $110k$17,009$17,653$644 · Eastern Kentucky University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Eastern Kentucky University$60,629
Western Kentucky University$59,217
Difference over four years$1,412

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate78% · 94%
Average SAT1149 · 971

Listed Eastern Kentucky University first, then Western Kentucky University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$45,795 · $43,889
Graduate in four years41% · 44%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$22,500 · $22,095

Again Eastern Kentucky University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Eastern Kentucky University — every income band · Western Kentucky University — every income band · All Kentucky public colleges