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Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a public university located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Established in 1906, WKU is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus community, and commitment to student success. With a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, WKU offers students numerous opportunities to pursue their passions and achieve their academic goals.
WKU's academic programs are organized into several colleges, including the Potter College of Arts & Letters, the Gordon Ford College of Business, the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the Ogden College of Science and Engineering. These colleges offer a wide array of majors and minors across various disciplines, catering to a diverse student body. The university is also home to several renowned research centers and institutes, providing students with valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and engagement in cutting-edge research.
Apart from its academic programs, WKU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities and student organizations. From Greek life to intramural sports, students have ample opportunities to get involved and make lasting connections with their peers. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, including modern residence halls, a student recreation center, and a variety of dining options, contribute to a fulfilling and comfortable college experience. With its strong academic programs, diverse campus community, and commitment to student success, Western Kentucky University continues to foster an environment that prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives.
Located in Bowling Green, KY and set in a suburban environment, Western Kentucky University is a public university. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 97%. The freshman retention rate at Western Kentucky University is 78% and the six-year graduation rate is 56%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is August 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is July 1.
Read more about what you can expect if you get into Western Kentucky University.
Quick Facts
14,590
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
97%
Acceptance Rate
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
56%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the school in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. Check out some vital data about admission policy and requirements at Western Kentucky University.
According to the most recent information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 7,492 in 2024. Western Kentucky University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is relatively easy to get into.
Test Scores
7.9% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 83.8% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 0.9% of the enrolled students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 10.8% between 1,200 and 1,399, 47.8% between 1,000 and 1,199, 35.1% between 800 and 999, and 5.4% of the students between 600 and 799. The percent of freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 7.1, 29.5 between 24-29, 45 in the range between 18-23, 18.2 between 12-17, and 0.2 between 6-11.
The ACT composite average score for all the accepted students in 2024 was 22 while the average GPA was 3.49. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted as well as an above-average ACT score.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 543 and an average SAT Math score of 533.
Deadlines
The cutoff date for submitting applications to this school is August 1. When submitting your application as a transfer student, note that the application deadline is July 1.
97%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The freshman retention rate is defined as the percentage of first-year students who return for their sophomore year at a college or university. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Western Kentucky University was 78%, which is considered an above-average retention rate and is indicative of the quality of educational experience at this school.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this institution stands at 56%.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the right choice for you. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a clearer picture of the school's culture and life.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at Western Kentucky University in 2024 was 16,759.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 28.1% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 14,590, 82 of which were international students. 760 students were admitted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 4,629 male and 7,393 female full-time students in 2024, which speaks volumes for gender equality at this institution. This school had 222 full-time graduate male and 519 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Western Kentucky University.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 388, and the number of Afro-American students was 1,083. 731 undergrads at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 511 as multirace. The school also had 15 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 34 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 193 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before submitting an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into account. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Western Kentucky University estimated tuition costs.
For local residents, public county and municipal institutions reported that tuition costs were $11,436. For out-of-state students, tuition fees amounted to $27,000. Tuition costs at Western Kentucky University for international students stood at $27,648.
| Tuition | Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-State | $27,000 | Not Available | $ 27,000 |
| In-State | $11,436 | Not Available | $11,436 |
Books and Supplies
The estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into consideration as another important expense. The estimated cost of books and supplies for full-time students of this school is $1,000.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. How much do room and board fees average around at schools?
At Western Kentucky University, the 2024 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $12,043. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 was $7,353 for one academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $7,353.
| Tuition | $ 11,436 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,043 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,000 |
| Total Expense | $ 24,479 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial help: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. If you want to find out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Western Kentucky University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
According to the most recent data, 1,762 freshmen were awarded financial aid. Students of this school received an average of $17,448 in financial help.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet some eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
3,995 students gained some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Western Kentucky University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was estimated to be 6,705. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $20,778,827, and state $14,906,608.
$5,893
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 5,643 students overall (including freshmen) at Western Kentucky University in 2024. 1,747 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $20,778,827 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $2,377,594. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $46,606,439. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $3,021,204 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Majors
Faculty
18:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Western Kentucky University was 18:1: that means 18 students per one teacher. According to the most recent information, there are 939 faculty members at this school. This number included 407 men and 532 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Western Kentucky University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Western Kentucky University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some information about social life at Western Kentucky University.
Its campus spans 235 acres.
Student Organizations
Exploring a variety of student organizations can contribute to a more vibrant and rewarding educational experience.
This school has 256 open-membership student organizations you can participate in. This number includes sororities and fraternities. 18 percent of male and 16.7 of female students participate in different organizations at Western Kentucky University. The student organization that attracts the greatest number of students is Residence Hall Association, followed by Campus Ministries and National Pan-Hellenic Council. Other popular organizations at Western Kentucky University are Campus Activities Board and Student Government Association.
Students who like music can join the Western Kentucky University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. For students interested in media and communication, Western Kentucky University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Western Kentucky University has a number of services crucial for a comfortable and safe life on campus.
There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The dormitory entrances are electronically operated. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services, Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Western Kentucky University.
All in all, campus life at Western Kentucky University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Western Kentucky University.
Career Counselling
At Western Kentucky University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY.
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Western Kentucky University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Western Kentucky University is 97%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Western Kentucky University is 78%.
Contact Information
Western Kentucky University,
1906 College Heights Boulevard
Bowling Green, KY
42101
270 745-0111
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.