About

About Western Kentucky University

open access admissionsdoctoral programshealth sciences focusbusiness and social scienceskentucky public university

Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY, known for its open access admissions, doctoral programs, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 97%, WKU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,755 students each year. WKU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 930–1130, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. WKU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,882 per year; the sticker price of $40,823 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Western Kentucky University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

97%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1030
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 930 – 1130 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 18 – 25

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Western Kentucky University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Apply to the WKU Honors College when you submit your application. The Honors College offers smaller classes, priority registration, and dedicated advising, and admission is decided separately from general admission so it is worth pursuing even if you are not sure you qualify.
Financial Aid — High Impact
Submit your WKU application before December 1 to be considered for their top merit scholarships like the Regents Scholarship, since WKU awards aid on a first come, first served basis and waiting until spring can cost you thousands of dollars even with a 97 percent acceptance rate.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Western Kentucky University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$41k/yr$7.1k
30k-48k~$41k/yr$6.9k
48k-75k~$41k/yr$9.8k
75k-110k~$41k/yr$14.0k
110k+~$41k/yr$17.7k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

54%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$38k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
11,977
Undergrad Enrollment
Western Kentucky University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch