Overview



Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY, USA
Public
4 Year
Overview
Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University is a 4-year public institution with campus perched atop a hill. WKU is home to six colleges granting bachelor’s degrees in 101 academic majors and 111 minors. The university also hosts the Colonnade Program, a group of general education core courses designed for all incoming First Year students. In addition to classroom space, the WKU campus includes the Downing Student Union featuring a space for pageants and lectures.
Acceptance Rate:
97%
Average Net Price:
$12,705
Campus Setting:
Small city
Average GPA
3.5
Average ACT Composite
22
Average SAT Composite
1150
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $11,436 |
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $27,000 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $12,043 |
Books and Supplies | $1000 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$11,845
$30k - $48k
$16,978
$48k - $75k
$15,982
$75k - $110k
$17,876
$110k+
$18,666
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: fa.questions@wku.edu
Aid & Grants
0
100
23%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
29%
Average Aid Per Year
$10,260
29%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,859
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$6,544
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
71%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$3146
36%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,859
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$36,749,432
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$64,054,319
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
51%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,581
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$14,250
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$219
Students receiving federal loans
50%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,115
Average Other Loans Per Year
$10,902
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Small city
7505
Students Applied
95%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
760
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
---|---|---|
Fall Regular Decision | August 1 |
Application Fee
$50
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
In-State Students
70%
Out-Of-State Students
28%
2%
Submitting ACT
Average ACT Composite: 22
0
36
Average SAT Composite: 1150
0
1600
SAT Percentiles
Math
25th
480
75th
580
Reading
25th
500
75th
590
3.5
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
3.75+
34%
3.50 - 3.74
20%
3.25 - 3.49
16%
3.00 - 3.24
13%
2.50 - 2.99
14%
2.00 - 2.49
4%
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Top 10%
22
Top 25%
45
Top 50%
76
Students Enrolled By Household Income
< $30k
1223
$30k - $48k
80
$48k - $75k
33
$75k - $110k
9
$110k+
8
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
16,493
Total Number of Undergrads
14,440
0
100
37%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
55%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
18:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
2-19 Students
45%
20-39 Students
40%
40-99 Students
12%
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
135
Majors
A B M D
A B M D | |
---|---|
AGRICULTURAL/ANIMAL/PLANT/VETERINARY SCIENCE AND RELATED FIELDS | |
ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES | |
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES | |
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES | |
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES | ✓ ✓ |
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS | |
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES | |
EDUCATION | |
ENGINEERING | |
ENGINEERING/ENGINEERING-RELATED TECHNOLOGIES/TECHNICIANS | |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS | |
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES | |
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS | |
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS | |
HISTORY | ✓ ✓ |
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES | |
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES | ✓ ✓ |
LIBRARY SCIENCE | |
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS | |
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | |
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION | |
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, FITNESS, AND KINESIOLOGY | |
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES | |
PHYSICAL SCIENCES | |
PSYCHOLOGY | |
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS | |
SOCIAL SCIENCES | ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ |
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS |
Faculty Overview
0
100
59%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Male
Female
US National: 42%
US National: 48%
Ethnicity
African American
Asian/Pacific Islander
White
Hispanic
Multi-Racial
Unknown
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Male
Female
38%
US National: 44%62%
US National: 56%Residency
In-State Students
70%
Out-Of-State Students
28%
Size of Town
Small city
US States Represented
48
Countries Represented
42
Ethnicity
African American
8%
Asian/Pacific Islander
3%
Hispanic
5%
White
77%
Multiracial
4%
Unknown
1%
Percent of First Generation Students
36%
Student Organizations
256
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
35%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
No
0
100
36%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Hilltoppers
School Colors
red and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Conference USA
Total Male Athletes
211
Total Female Athletes
107
Intramural Sports
8
Sports Club
2
Sports Team (Men)
Sports Team (Women)
Western Kentucky University Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$38,600
Top 5 Cities
Bowling Green
Louisville
Nashville
Owensboro
Lexington
Top 5 Employers
Western Kentucky University
US Army
Fruit of the Loom, Inc.
Humana
University of Kentucky
Top 5 Sectors
Business Development
Education
Operations
Sales
Healthcare Services
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$14,250
Loan Default Rate
10%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$219
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingI am going into my second year at WKU and I feel that I have already noticed a big difference in how I think about certain topics. The majority of my professors have opened up my eyes to certain topics that never really crossed my mind in high school. Because of this quality education I began to feel a higher sense of maturity which is a big part of the first year in college. The professors seem to take a big interest in their students in making sure that they attend class and work towards bettering themselves as a student.
Kaitlyn from Louisville, KY
As a high schooler, you constantly hear College is hard or Don't expect to be babied/pampered in college like you are in high school. These statements leave you questioning are you really going to make in in college, more importantly, through college? Sure you might have slacked off in high school and you might not have necessarily had to study for that big test, but rest assured, you will make it. Here at Western, we have an impressive faculty and staff that are always there to help you in whatever you need. They are very willing to sit down and take time out of their busy schedule to address any problem or struggle you may have. Their main goal is to do whatever they can to help you succeed; to prepare you for the real world. And on top of that, they are very well prepared in the subject that they are teaching. While Western Kentucky University may not be an ivy league school, you still have many opportunities to get the same education you might have gotten at an ivy league school.
Alyson from Bowling Green, KY
The faculty at WKU are highly skilled and most are personable with their students. It's obvious that they want to share their knowledge and they do this on a personal level by encouraging in-class discussions and questions. They let you know on the first day of classes of the easiest way to reach them, should you need anything throughout the semester. Then they make sure to respond to your calls or emails so all of your questions will be answered. Many times they suggest meeting one-on-one during an office appointment, so you can go over all your inquiries.
Cameran from Campbellsburg, KY
I love WKU. Western Kentucky University is a magnificent school with faculty members dedicated to making sure that us students succeed. This School is definitely preparing me to excel & achieve all of my dreams.
Brooke from Lexington, KY
I've attended WKU for three months now. Within these three months I've learned more in my math class and western civ course than I learned out my four years in high school.
Ashley from Louisville, KY
Each class was very interesting. Good grades are within easy reach if a student wants to apply himself or herself - at home research of the topics in lectures are a big plus, and daily study is a must. Never wait for last few days to study for any test, particularly a Final Exam.
Brenda from Bowling Green, KY
Out of my three years here I have grown to learn so many different things in my classes. My professors have always been a big help in making their class easier. And in the different majors here you will experience that as well. From taking a foreign language in Swahili to learning more about Shakespeare in Theatre History, I am always eager to know what I will learn next as my time here progresses.
Lydia from Louisville, KY
I've learned a lot about myself and what i am capable, which i find important in pursuing my career. Not to mention the immense amount of knowledge I have already acquired.
Shaniequa from Bowling Green, KY, KY
I LOVE WKU for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is Campus Safety. I feel completely safe here even afyer hours. It is well lit and patrolled all hours. As a general rule, you never go anywhere alone after dark, but if i did, I feel like i would be fine.
Katie - Georgetown, KY
WKU is an extremely welcoming school. Students and staff are friendly and convey that they really care about my future. From day one, students will feel like WKU is home.
M from Indiana
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Western Kentucky University