PUBLIC · GRADUATE

Western Kentucky University

Also known as: WKU, HILLTOPPERS

📍 Bowling Green, Kentucky🏛️ Urban Setting👥 12,155 Undergrads🔗 www.wku.edu

Overview

Western Kentucky University is a large public research university in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It enrolls about 12,155 undergraduate students with an acceptance rate of 94%. Graduates earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry.

Quick Stats

Acceptance Rate

94%

Less Selective

SAT Avg

971

420–530

Net Price

$10,990

After avg. aid

Grad Rate (6yr)

56%

Retention

78%

First-year, FT

Median Earnings

$43,889

10 yrs after entry

Admissions

Less Selective

Acceptance Rate

93.9%

SAT Average

971

ACT Composite

16–21

Test Policy

Considered but not required

SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)

EBRW (Reading & Writing)

200420 – 530 (mid 50%)800

Math

200420 – 520 (mid 50%)800

ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)

Composite

116 – 21 (mid 50%)36

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition

$11,652

Annual + fees

Out-of-State

$27,000

Annual + fees

Cost of Attendance

$24,188

Total annual

Avg. Net Price

$10,990

After aid

Net Price by Family Income

Family Income	Avg. Net Price
$0 – $30,000	$7,087
$30,001 – $48,000	$6,871
$48,001 – $75,000	$9,765
$75,001 – $110,000	$14,049
$110,001 +	$17,653

Financial Aid Snapshot

% with federal loans

34.7%

Academics & Programs

Western Kentucky University offers programs across 28 fields. Top by degrees awarded:

Business, Management & Marketing

19.1%

Health Professions

14.9%

Education

7.1%

Social Sciences

6.4%

Communication & Journalism

6.0%

Liberal Arts & General Studies

5.5%

Psychology

4.9%

Visual & Performing Arts

4.8%

Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

56%

On-Time (4yr)

44%

Retention (FT)

78%

% Earning >$25K

67%

10 yrs after entry

Median Earnings After Entry

6 years

$38,156

8 years

$40,920

10 years

$43,889

Graduation Rate by Race

Asian

68.2%

White

61.0%

Diversity

Race & Ethnicity

White

74.3%

Black or African American

9.0%

Asian

3.5%

Hispanic / Latino

6.5%

Two or more races

4.4%

International

0.6%

Gender

Women

61.2%

Men

38.8%

Background

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Western Kentucky University hard to get into?

Less Selective — the acceptance rate is 94%. Admitted students average an SAT of 971.

How much does Western Kentucky University cost?

In-state tuition is $11,652, and out-of-state is $27,000. Average net price after financial aid is $10,990.

What is Western Kentucky University known for?

Most popular programs include Business, Management & Marketing, Health Professions, Education.

What's the graduation rate at Western Kentucky University?

The 6-year graduation rate is 56%, and 78% of first-year, full-time students return for their second year.

Data source: U.S. Department of Education.