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Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, Kentucky — 1906 College Heights Blvd, 42101-1000

Annual Tuition $11,436
Enrollment 12,267
Acceptance Rate 97.1%
Median Salary $43,889

Western Kentucky University is a leading Public institution located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Established to provide high-quality education, Western Kentucky University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Western Kentucky University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Bowling Green, Kentucky
Type Public
Total Enrollment 12,267 students
Median Salary $43,889

Western Kentucky University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Western Kentucky University
Location Bowling Green, Kentucky
Official Website https://www.wku.edu/
Address 1906 College Heights Blvd
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
Institution Type Public
Total Students 12,267

Western Kentucky University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 97.1% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score 977 out of 1600
ACT Midpoint N/A

SAT Score Breakdown

Section Average 25th %ile 75th %ile
Math 370 490
Evidence-Based Reading 450 520

Western Kentucky University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $11,436
Out-of-State Tuition $27,000
Pell Grant Rate 28.7%
Median Debt (Completers) $22,095

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Western Kentucky University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $10,075/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $16,624/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $17,417/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $18,219/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $10,075 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Admission Chance

Compare your SAT or ACT score with the middle 50% of enrolled students.

97.1% acceptance rate

Is Western Kentucky University hard to get into?

SAT score range

820 - 1,010

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Math370 - 490
Reading450 - 520

ACT score range

16 - 20

25th to 75th percentile of enrolled students

Check your admission chances

Enter your score to see whether this school is a reach, target, or safety option.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Western Kentucky University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. salary after Western Kentucky University

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $86,696 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $103,023 4yr: $96,217
2

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. salary after Western Kentucky University

Doctoral Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $76,998 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $71,378 4yr: $71,526
3

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. salary after Western Kentucky University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $70,009 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
1yr: $74,205 4yr: $83,980

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Western Kentucky University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

97.1% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 12,267
Undergrad 10,098
Retention Rate 78% full-time
Full-Time Students 90.6%

Courses and Academic Programs at Western Kentucky University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 454
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 405
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Master's
Graduates 372
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Bachelor's
Graduates 363
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 306
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Bachelor's
Graduates 259
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 219
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Graduates 211
Social Work.
Bachelor's
Graduates 196
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 195
Showing top 10 of 177 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Western Kentucky University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $43,889 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $38,156
Graduation Rate 53.7% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Western Kentucky University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $38,156
10 Years After Entry $43,889
Is Western Kentucky University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $10,916
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $43,889
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 863500%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Western Kentucky University

Total Students 12,267
Undergrad 10,098
Graduate 2,169
Retention Rate 78% full-time

Gender Breakdown

61.2%
38.8%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 90.6%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
75.2%
Black
8.8%
Hispanic
6%
Two or More Races
4.2%
Asian
3.2%
Unknown / Unreported
1.6%
International
0.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.3%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 35.7%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 63.2%
💍
Married Students 8.3%
📅
Students Age 25+ 9.4%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 9.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $50,387
Average Family Income $55,892
Median Family Income $41,838

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

47.3%
52.8%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 28.7% of students
Federal Loan Rate 36.3% of students
Avg Net Price $10,916 after aid
Median Debt $22,095 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $22,095
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $5,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $27,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Western Kentucky University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Western Kentucky University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 53.7%
Median Graduate Salary $43,889
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Western Kentucky University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Western Kentucky University

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Kentucky University

What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 97.1%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Western Kentucky University?

Tuition at Western Kentucky University is $11,436 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Western Kentucky University?

Graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median salary of $43,889 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Western Kentucky University located?

Western Kentucky University is located at 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1000. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.