Western Kentucky University
About Western Kentucky University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
WKU is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It offers programs in journalism, business, education, and engineering and is known for its hilltop campus and strong student media programs.
Founded
1906
Location
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Students
14,295
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
55.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,652
Out-of-state: $27,000
Avg Net Price
$10,990
After financial aid
SAT Average
971
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$43,889
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Dec 31
Regular
Rolling
Western Kentucky University accepts the majority of applicants at 93.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
971/ 1600
ACT Scores
18/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
55.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.3%
4-Year Grad
40%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
67.4%
$/Student
$9.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 40% graduation rate is below average, but 78.3% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,652
In-State
$27,000
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,582
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,188
After Financial Aid
$10,990
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,087
Receive Grants
30.5%
Take Loans
34.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,188/yr for in-state students, including $12,582 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $10,990. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $27,000.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Kentucky University fund their education.
While in School
30.5%
Get Grants
Free money
34.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$41,838
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,095
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$234/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 34.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,095. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Kentucky University.
Gender
61.2%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
12,155
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,140
Graduates
35.7%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
9.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 35.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
12,155
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Kentucky University fields 9 varsity teams with 411 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Conference USA
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
411
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
63% / 37%
260
Men
151
Women
5
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Kentucky Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$43,889
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
182 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$68K
169 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$36K
151 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$37K
131 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$26K
123 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
122 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $38K six years out, growing to $44K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Kentucky University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?▾
How much does Western Kentucky University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Kentucky University?▾
How much do Western Kentucky University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.