Overview
Student Population
| Location | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Online | wku.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Western Kentucky University is a mid-size four year public college offering both undergrad and graduate programs. In the most recent statistical year 7,255 prospective students applied, and 7,145 were granted admission. Of those admitted 2,832 enrolled in the school. 12,115 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 4,635 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2021/2022, excluding room and board, is $10,992 plus fees of $0. WKU is ranked 790 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2023 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WKU is rated within the lower 37% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Explore Western Kentucky University
Rankings
Rankings for Western Kentucky University within the 2023 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#790 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#301 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
#50 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 980/1180 |
| ACT | 19/26 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Apr 1, 2023 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Connect with WKU
Engage with counselors on a personal level to demonstrate your interest in their school and get answers to all of your admissions-related questions.
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Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $10,708 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,115 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,815 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $10,708 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,115 |
| Total One Year Cost | $40,823 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 16% |
| Education | 12% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 10% |
| Social Sciences | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering WKU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157951 IPEDS survey data for Western Kentucky University.
Current students may use the Western Kentucky University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.