Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public 4-year institution in Bowling Green, KY. It enrolls about 16,759 students and admits roughly 97% of first-year applicants.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Public 4-year |
| Control | public |
| Level | 4-year |
| Location | Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| County | Warren County |
| Enrollment | 16,759 |
| Acceptance rate | 97% |
| Applicants / admitted | 7,720 / 7,492 |
| In-state tuition & fees | $11,436 |
| Out-of-state tuition & fees | $27,000 |
| Graduation rate (150%) | 54% |
| Transfer-out rate | 24% |
| Full-time retention rate | 78% |
| Average net price (after aid) | $12,054 |
| Campus setting | City: Small |
| Size category | 10,000 - 19,999 |
| Highest degree offered | Doctor's degree |
| SAT middle 50% (EBRW+Math) | 450–520 |
| ACT middle 50% | 16–20 |
| Website | https://www.wku.edu/ |
| Phone | 2707450111 |
Admissions
About 7,720 students applied and 7,492 were admitted. Of those admitted, 2,822 enrolled.
Cost
In-state students pay about $11,436 in tuition and required fees; out-of-state students pay $27,000. These are 2023-24 sticker prices for full-time first-year students and exclude housing, food and books. Most students pay less than the sticker price after institutional grants and scholarships.
Cost after financial aid
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $12,054 per year for first-time, full-time students receiving Title IV aid.
| Family income | Average net price |
|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | $10,075 |
| $30,001–48,000 | $16,624 |
| $48,001–75,000 | $17,417 |
| $75,001–110,000 | $18,219 |
| Over $110,000 | $18,601 |
Net price falls as family income falls because need-based aid rises. These are 2022-23 figures reported to IPEDS; use them to compare institutions, and use each college's own net price calculator for a personal estimate.
Outcomes
Of the 3,039 first-time, full-time students in the 150% cohort, 54% completed their programme within 150% of normal time. That cohort definition matters: part-time students and transfers are not included, so a college that serves many of them can have a low reported rate while still graduating most of its students.
Where it is
Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY, Warren County. Its coordinates are 36.9850, -86.4568.
Nearby institutions
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?
About 97% of first-year applicants are admitted, based on federal IPEDS data for 7,720 applicants.
How much does Western Kentucky University cost?
Tuition and required fees are about $11,436 for in-state students and $27,000 for out-of-state students, excluding room and board.
How many students attend Western Kentucky University?
About 16,759 students are enrolled.