University of Louisville vs West Virginia University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Louisville and West Virginia University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Louisville vs West Virginia University at a glance
University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and West Virginia University 89% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,960 at University of Louisville and $18,020 at West Virginia University. Six-year graduation rates are 60.1% and 66%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and West Virginia University 89%, so University of Louisville is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,960 a year at University of Louisville and $18,020 at West Virginia University; University of Louisville costs $3,060 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $12,104 at University of Louisville and $15,015 at West Virginia University.
- 60.1% of students graduate within six years at University of Louisville, against 66% at West Virginia University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $60,032 for University of Louisville and $62,910 for West Virginia University; West Virginia University is $2,878 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Louisville and $21,146 at West Virginia University.
- University of Louisville enrolls 14,727 students (large city) and West Virginia University 17,385 (small city).
Side by side
University of Louisville and West Virginia University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | University of Louisville | West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 79.4% | 89% |
| Applicants | 15,455 | 17,074 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1040–1270 | 1010–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 19–27 | 20–26 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,960 | $18,020 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,390 | $10,752 |
| Tuition, out of state | $29,736 | $30,432 |
| Cost of attendance | $30,975 | $31,716 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $12,104 | $15,015 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,100 | $12,394 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,680 | $13,965 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $16,542 | $18,398 |
| Over $110,000 | $23,040 | $24,729 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 60.1% | 66% |
| First-year retention | 81.5% | 83.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $60,032 | $62,910 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,146 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $240 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 14,727 | 17,385 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Louisville, KY | Morgantown, WV |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
University of Louisville reports 53 bachelor's programs and West Virginia University 92; 46 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Louisville vs West Virginia University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Louisville or West Virginia University?
University of Louisville is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Louisville admits 79.4% of applicants and West Virginia University admits 89%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Louisville 1040–1270; West Virginia University 1010–1220.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or West Virginia University?
University of Louisville has the lower average net price after grants: $14,960 a year at University of Louisville against $18,020 at West Virginia University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $12,104 and $15,015. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Louisville or West Virginia University graduates earn more?
West Virginia University graduates earn more at the median: $60,032 ten years after entry for University of Louisville and $62,910 for West Virginia University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,146.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Louisville or West Virginia University?
West Virginia University does: 60.1% of University of Louisville students graduate within six years, against 66% at West Virginia University.
How big are University of Louisville and West Virginia University?
University of Louisville has 14,727 students in Louisville, KY and West Virginia University has 17,385 students in Morgantown, WV.