Overview
Enrollment
| 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 |
Western Kentucky University (WKU), located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a public university established in 1906. The campus boasts a hilltop setting, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and features a blend of traditional and modern architecture, including the iconic Cherry Hall. Within driving distance to Nashville, Tennessee, WKU provides students with a blend of urban and rural environments. The university houses a variety of on-campus living options for students, including residence halls and apartment-style accommodations. Academically, WKU is known for its strong emphasis on broadcast journalism and photojournalism programs, as well as its dedicated Honors College. With a moderately selective admissions process, WKU attracts a diverse student body. The university competes in Division I athletics as the Hilltoppers, with its basketball program gaining notable recognition.
In the most recent statistical year 7,505 prospective students applied, and 7,276 were granted admission. Of those admitted 2,755 enrolled in the school. 11,904 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 4,589 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $11,112 plus fees of $0. WKU is ranked 875 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
WKU is rated within the lower 35% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Western Kentucky University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#875 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#340 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in Kentucky
#6 in Best Public Colleges in Kentucky
#52 in Best Value Colleges in Kentucky
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 980/1170 |
| ACT | 18/25 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Kentucky Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $11,072 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,264 |
| Total One Year Cost | $25,448 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $11,072 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,264 |
| Total One Year Cost | $41,336 |
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% |
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Students considering WKU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Western Kentucky University.
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.
Last updated February 24, 2024