Your chances of getting into Western Kentucky University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at WKU is 96.9%. Its admission rate is the 27th lowest in Kentucky.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into WKU and can you get accepted?
Western Kentucky University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 7,276 out of the 7,505 who applied were admitted.
Western Kentucky University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.42. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 38% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into WKU?
97% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Western Kentucky University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.42 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Score 1080 on the SAT
- Score 21 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
WKU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Western Kentucky University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into WKU are to have around a 3.42 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.
If your high school grades are above the average 3.42 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as WKU accepts 97% of applicants.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at WKU is 3.42 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #16 in Kentucky for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since WKU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
WKU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Western Kentucky University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 2% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 500 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 480 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 980 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 590 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 580 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1170 |
| Average SAT Score | 1080
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Western Kentucky University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at WKU is 1080 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 980-1170. Students who get into Western Kentucky University score in the top 64 percent of all SAT test takers.. WKU ranks #15 in the state of Kentucky for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1080 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. WKU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 980 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 980, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 880, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Western Kentucky University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1080 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1075, you have around a 97% chance of being admitted. A 1170 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 98% chance of getting in.
WKU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 17 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 17 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 18 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 24 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 25 |
| Average ACT Score | 21
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into WKU?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to WKU is 21, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 25. The school ranks #16 in Kentucky for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 21. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 14.
2 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Western Kentucky University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Western Kentucky University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into WKU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 21 score has around 97% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 99% with a 25 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
74% of Western Kentucky University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 45% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 22% |
| Top 25% of class | 45% |
| Top 50% of class | 74% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 4,779 | 2,726 | 7,505 |
| Accepted | 4,654 | 2,622 | 7,276 |
| Acceptance Rate | 97% | 96% | 97% |
| Enrolled | 1,726 | 1,029 | 2,755 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 37% | 39% | 38% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 104 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Aug 1, 2024.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Western Kentucky University is $50.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Western Kentucky University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required to be considered for admission |
| Recommendations | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Western Kentucky University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.42 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1080 and ACT of 21 will almost guarantee your admission.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Western Kentucky University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=157951 IPEDS survey data for Western Kentucky University.
FAQs
Does Western Kentucky University prefer SAT or ACT?
2% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into Western Kentucky University?
97% of those who apply are granted admission to WKU. Admission competition is and the college has easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for Western Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 980 and 1170. The average SAT score is 1075. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for Western Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 18 and 25. The average ACT score is 21. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.