Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University is a public institution located in Bowling Green, KY, offering 153 distinct degree programs across various fields of study. With an enrollment of over 12,267 students, Western Kentucky University serves a substantial student population.
Key Facts
- 2024 Undergraduate Tuition: $11,436
- 2024 Average Net Price: $10,916 After Financial Aid
- 2024 Acceptance Rate: 97.05% Moderate Selectivity
- 2024 Enrolled Students: 12,267 N/A% Full-Time
- 2024 Graduation Rate: 53.67%
- Average SAT Score: 977
Costs
Tuition Costs
$11,436
2024 Undergraduate Tuition
In 2024, the cost of tuition at Western Kentucky University was $11,436.
Tuition comparison with similar institutions.
Average Net Price
$10,916
2024 Value
In 2024 Western Kentucky University had an average net price — the price paid after factoring in grants and loans — of $10,916.
Average net price comparison with similar institutions.
Total Cost of Attendance
$43,664 Estimated 4-Year Total Cost
$10,916 Average Annual Net Price (after aid)
$45,744 4-Year In-State Tuition
$108,000 4-Year Out-of-State Tuition
Costs include tuition and fees. Room & board, books, and other expenses are additional.
4-year total cost breakdown for Western Kentucky University.
Financial Aid by Income Level
28.71% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants
36.25% Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans
Financial aid distribution by income level.
Student Loan Default Rate
Not reported
3-year cohort default rate (College Scorecard)
The published 3-year cohort default rate for borrowers at Western Kentucky University was not reported in the College Scorecard extract for this institution.
Cohort default rates account for borrowers who default in the first three years.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
97.05% Acceptance Rate
This institution has a moderate acceptance rate, accepting most qualified applicants.
Acceptance rate compared to national average.
Test Scores
SAT Average: 977
Average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students.
Academic Requirements
Estimated GPA Range: 3.0 - 3.4
Estimated Median GPA: 3.20
Note: GPA requirements are estimated based on admission selectivity and test scores. Actual requirements may vary.
Estimated GPA and test score ranges.
Enrollment
Full-Time vs Part-Time Enrollment
N/A% Full-Time Enrollment
The total enrollment at Western Kentucky University in 2024 is 12,267 students.
Full-time vs part-time enrollment comparison.
Retention Rate over Time
N/A%
2024 Retention Rate
Retention rate measures the number of first-time students who began their studies the previous fall and returned to school the following fall.
Retention rate over time compared to similar institutions.
Graduates & Outcomes
Time to Complete
42.36% 100% Completion Time
53.67% 150% Completion Time
In 2024, 42.36% of students graduating from Western Kentucky University completed their program within 100% "normal time".
Completion rates over time compared to similar institutions.
ROI & Programs
Financial value and program information for Western Kentucky University.
Return on Investment
$22,095 Median Student Debt
$43,889 Median Annual Earnings (10 years)
50.34% Debt-to-Earnings Ratio
905.15% Return on Investment
5.0 years Estimated Payback Period
Financial value analysis for Western Kentucky University.
Top Programs by Completions
10 Programs Reporting Data
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, & Nursing Research: 273 completions
CIP 52.0201: 251 completions
CIP 24.0102: 187 completions
CIP 52.0213: 185 completions
General Psychology: 164 completions
CIP 30.7102: 155 completions
Social Work: 144 completions
Elementary Education & Teaching: 142 completions
Social Sciences - 45.0401: 118 completions
Other/Unknown Programs: 4,456 completions
Most popular programs at Western Kentucky University.
Employment Outcomes
$38,156 Median Earnings (6 years after entry)
$40,920 Median Earnings (8 years after entry)
$43,889 Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
Earnings outcomes for Western Kentucky University graduates.
About
Western Kentucky University is a public institution located in Bowling Green, KY, offering 153 distinct degree programs across various academic disciplines. The institution enrolls approximately 12,267 students. The admission rate is 97.05%. Average SAT scores for admitted students are 977. The institution maintains a 53.67% graduation rate. Approximately 28.71% of students receive Pell Grants.
Institution Type
Public
Location
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
Region: Southeast
Insights and Analysis
Diverse Program Offerings: With over 153 distinct degree programs, Western Kentucky University provides students with a wide range of academic options. This diversity allows students to explore various fields and find programs that align with their interests and career goals.
Data Sources
This page uses data from the following sources:
- College Scorecard - U.S. Department of Education
- Institutional characteristics, costs, completion rates, and earnings data
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
- Employment and wage data by occupation
- Latest data: May 2024
- Source: bls.gov/oes
- O*NET Online - U.S. Department of Labor
- Occupational skills, knowledge, abilities, and work activities
- Database version: 28.0 (August 2023)
- Source: onetcenter.org
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) - National Center for Education Statistics
- Institutional data, completions, enrollment, and financial aid
- Data years: 2015-2024
- Source: nces.ed.gov/ipeds
- Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS)
- Demographic and workforce data
- Latest data: 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates
- Source: census.gov/acs
Data Processing: All data has been processed, cleaned, and aggregated for presentation. Where specific data points are unavailable, estimates are based on available data and clearly marked.
Last Updated: Data reflects the most recent available information as of January 2025.
Methodology
Data for this profile is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard dataset, which provides comprehensive information on institutions of higher education in the United States.
All financial figures are adjusted for inflation and represent the most recent available data. Graduation rates and completion times are calculated according to federal standards.