Public Institution

Western Kentucky University — Bowling Green, Kentucky

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Annual Tuition $11,436

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 97.1%

Open Admission

Enrollment 12,267

Active Students

Avg. Salary $43,889

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Bowling Green, Kentucky

Institution type Public

Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Western Kentucky University stands as a pillar of higher education in Bowling Green, providing a robust academic foundation for 12,267 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Western Kentucky University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Western Kentucky University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

18.6%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

16.6%

Enrollment Share

Education

7.4%

Enrollment Share

Humanities

6.5%

Enrollment Share

Communications

6.4%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

6.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Humanities College

Empowering students with critical thinking and cultural literacy...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Western Kentucky University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Western Kentucky University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 97.1%

Difficulty Low

Western Kentucky University maintains an acceptance rate of 97.1%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 38.8%

Women Enrollment 61.2%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 450 - 520

SAT Mathematics 370 - 490

ACT English 14 - 21

ACT Mathematics 15 - 18

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Western Kentucky University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $11,436

Out-of-State Tuition $27,000

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 28.7%

Median Student Debt $22,095

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $11,436, graduates see a median starting salary of $43,889, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Kentucky.

What salary can Western Kentucky University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $43,889

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 53.7%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $10,916

Median Salary (6yr) $38,156

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green?

12,267 Students

Gender Comparison

38.8% Men

61.2% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

78%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.3%

Pacific Islander

0.1%

Asian

3.2%

Black

8.8%

White

75.2%

Unknown

1.6%

Hispanic

Two or More Races

4.2%

International

0.7%

Campus Demographics

🎂

Avg. Age at Entry 22

🎓

First-Generation 35.7%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 63.2%

💍

Married Students 8.3%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 9.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$50,387
Average Family Income	$55,892
Median Family Income	$41,838

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

47.3%

52.8%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Bowling Green Campus Environment

Located at 1906 College Heights Blvd, Western Kentucky University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Kentucky. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Western Kentucky University compare?

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Common Questions about Western Kentucky University

Is Western Kentucky University a good college in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

Western Kentucky University is a recognized institution in Bowling Green with an enrollment of 12,267 students. This profile shows published tuition, admissions, and earnings data so you can compare it with other schools in Kentucky.

Is Western Kentucky University worth attending in 2026?

That depends on your budget, program fit, and career goals. Use the average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $43,889 on this page as a starting point for comparison.

How much does Western Kentucky University cost for Kentucky residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Western Kentucky University is approximately $11,436. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $27,000. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Western Kentucky University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Western Kentucky University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 63.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Western Kentucky University good for Business & Marketing and Health Professions programs?

Western Kentucky University reports program activity in Business & Marketing and Health Professions. Review the school profile and official academic pages to confirm current majors, concentrations, and outcomes for the track you want.

What career can I get after attending Western Kentucky University?

Graduates of Western Kentucky University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $43,889, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Western Kentucky University?

Admission requirements can vary by program and application cycle. Use the acceptance-rate and test-policy data on this page as a starting point, then confirm current requirements on Western Kentucky University's official admissions website.

Does Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Standardized-test requirements can change by year and by program. Check the test-policy details on this page, then confirm the latest SAT or ACT guidance on Western Kentucky University's official admissions portal before applying.

What salary can Western Kentucky University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median salary of $43,889 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Western Kentucky University a good investment compared to other KY colleges?

Compare Western Kentucky University's average net price of $0, tuition levels, and median earnings against other colleges in Kentucky to judge value for your goals.

Where is Western Kentucky University located and what is the campus like?

Western Kentucky University is located at 1906 College Heights Blvd in Bowling Green, KY. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 12,267 learners.

Who typically attends Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY?

The student body at Western Kentucky University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 35.7% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Kentucky

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Western Kentucky University with other leading institutions in Kentucky across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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