Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY, USA

Tuition, Cost & Aid

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.
$12,705
Calculate your net cost
Average Net Price By Family Income
Income
Average Amount
< $30k
$12,195
$30k - $48k
$16,211
$48k - $75k
$17,490
$75k - $110k
$16,529
$110k+
$15,338
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.
$11,112
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.
$27,072
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.
$11,072
Books and Supplies
$1,000
Tuition Payment Plan
Yes
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

0
100
24%
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
$7,987
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
$4,665
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$5,361
Students receiving state aid
71%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$2,842
Students receiving federal aid
38%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$4,665
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.
$29,320,946
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$64,185,484

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.
54%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,946
Students receiving federal loans
52%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,370
Average Other Loans Per Year
$11,080
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%
US National: 7%
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

What Students Are Saying

Although the tuition is a bit high, I feel like the price is worth it. Advisers are very helpful in starting students off properly. Students are made aware of their General Education requirements and are informed of the prerequisites they need to obtain in order to reach administration into the desired Major. With this great assistance, along-side an overall comforting and enjoyable environment, the price is definitely worth it.
Kaitlyn from Louisville, KY
I would say that the tuition at Western is pretty average compared to other colleges. And again, you do get a quality education.
Alyson from Bowling Green, KY
Every penny is worth the education here. You can be sure that not only will you graduate feeling more confident about the knowledge you gained, but you will come away with life-altering experiences that will allow you to grow as an individual. WKU strongly supports study abroad and is always encouraging students to choose from hundreds of programs that will allow them to travel the world, while they obtain a few credit hours. There is even thousands of dollars in scholarship money available to help in several of these opportunities.
Cameran from Campbellsburg, KY
WKU's Tuition and Fees are very normal for a university. Ranging from 12 - 14k this is pretty cheap for such a beautiful school. They definitely do not play with ones money either. The dorms are also pretty cheap ranging from 1,890 - 2,117
Brooke from Lexington, KY
My classes are free - I pay for books only. I'm past 65 years old.
Brenda from Bowling Green, KY
True enough WKU does not play around when it comes to the different costs, but best believe all the money taken makes a difference in the end to not only you, but to other students looking for future here on the Hill!
Lydia from Louisville, KY
The teachers are willing to work with you so that you are understanding their lectures and assignments.
Plenty of opportunities to get necessary help with homework, papers, etc.
Campus is gorgeous.
Very unified student body.
Shaniequa from Bowling Green, KY, KY
WKU costs the same as another university I transferred from - but offers so much more academically and socially!
M from Indiana