Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University

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

Average Net Price
$12,705
Calculate your net 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:
  • (amount for on-campus room, board and other expenses * # of students living on-campus.
  • + amount for off-campus (with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus with family
  • + amount for off-campus (not with family) room, board and other expenses * # of students living off-campus not with family)
divided by the total # of students. Students whose living arrangements are unknown are excluded from the calculation. For some institutions the # of students by living arrangement will be known, but dollar amounts will not be known. In this case the # of students with no corresponding dollar amount will be excluded from the denominator.
$12,043
Books and Supplies
$1000

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.
29%
Average Aid Per Year
$10,260
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 Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,859
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$6,544

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

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
0
100
97%
Acceptance Rate

Admissions Requirements

SAT
SAT is not checked
No
ACT
ACT is not checked
No
Transcript
Transcript is checked
Yes
Test Optional
Item is checked
Yes

Important Deadlines

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

Admissions Resources

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: 21:1

Degrees and Majors

MAJORS
135

Faculty Overview

Campus Life

Key Campus Stats

Student Gender
Male
Female
38%
62%
Residency
In-State Students
70%
Out-Of-State Students
28%

Housing

0
100
35%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No

Athletics

Divisional Sports Nickname
Hilltoppers
School Colors
red and white
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Conference USA

Campus Safety

24-HR security patrol
24-HR security patrol is checked
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Campus emergency phones is checked
Yes

After Graduation

Post Grad Stats

Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$38,600
I 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