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Head to head · Kentucky

University of Louisville vs Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University costs less than University of Louisville at every income band federal data covers — between $6,654 and $8,051 less per year, depending on what you earn.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeUniversity of LouisvilleWestern Kentucky UniversityDifference
Under $30k$15,138$7,087$8,051
$30–48k$14,601$6,871$7,730
$48–75k$16,419$9,765$6,654
$75–110k$20,995$14,049$6,946
Over $110k$25,186$17,653$7,533

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.

Why three likely admits is the floor for a safe season →

Parent PLUS loans: the caps and the trap →

Four years, at $75–110k

University of Louisville$88,494
Western Kentucky University$59,217
Difference over four years$29,277

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

Getting in

Published acceptance rate79% · 94%
Average SAT1150 · 971

Listed University of Louisville 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$53,899 · $43,889
Graduate in four years44% · 44%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$20,500 · $22,095

Again University of Louisville 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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

University of Louisville — every income band · Western Kentucky University — every income band · All Kentucky public colleges