About Western Kentucky University

Founded in 1906, Western Kentucky University. is a Public college. Located in Kentucky, which is a city setting in Kentucky, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 17,595 full time undergraduate students, and 2,676 full time graduate students.

The Western Kentucky University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 763 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Western Kentucky University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate94%
Application Deadline
Application Fee45
SAT Range860-1090
ACT Range19-26

Admissions at WKU are considered Less Selective, with ,75% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 33 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

70% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 44% were in the top quarter, and 22% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Western Kentucky University.

2%
“We”re apathetic”
20%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
48%
“I feel extremely safe”
2%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
17%
“We bought the gear”
81%
“We live for the big game”
4%
“It”s not really our thing”
20%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
61%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
15%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
68%
“They keep regular office hours”
23%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
82%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
24%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
44%
“We only party on weekends”
29%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
29%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
2%
“We”re apathetic”
20%
“We know about current events and vote”
70%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
3%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
56%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
19%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
48%
“I feel extremely safe”
2%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
17%
“We bought the gear”
81%
“We live for the big game”
4%
“It”s not really our thing”
20%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
61%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
15%
“We”re a very artistic group”
6%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
68%
“They keep regular office hours”
23%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
82%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
24%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
44%
“We only party on weekends”
29%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
29%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
6%
“There”s a huge drug scene”

Western Kentucky University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    197 Students rated on-campus housing 3.6 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    145 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    217 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    217 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    217 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 44 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    217 Students rated school activities 4 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    219 Students rated local services 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    217 Students rated academics 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Western Kentucky University?

100 Students rated Western Kentucky University

Bryan - 03/31/2023

I love it, I have always had a special spot in my heart for this place I have graduated and plan to go back for my masters this year, I do like how to apply and sign up for classes, some things do need to be updated however. Parking is still a nightmare, and getting updates via email could be faster.

Lauren - 01/12/2021

I'm currently a Sophomore and going into my second semester. I've always like Western and it campus ever since I've visited my senior year of high school. The students and staff are nice and they welcome me with open arms. This is why I love campus and everything they have to offer.

Skylar - 08/29/2020

It is a pretty good school. The campus has some nice scenery. They have lots of different student organizations. Anyone can find something to do on campus. There are many different options for dining. There are many great classes to choose from. Sports are important to a lot of students. Overall it is a descent school.

Amber

I love Western Kentucky University! I'm currently a commuter student but the campus is awesome and class sizes are good. I've enjoyed my time at WKU so far and I'm about to be a junior. The Nursing program at WKU is awesome and the new facility is one of the best. Ultimately I came to WKU because of how good the nursing program is!

Western Kentucky University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Western Kentucky University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Western Kentucky University is 94%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I previously attended The University of Akron, I went there for only one semester. I have been here at WKU, since August 22. The overall feeling of being here at WKU is just amazing, my friends and I discuss how it has the home feeling. My experience here has been by far, the best yet! If you are a freshmen/transfer student they highly recommend this program called :Master Plan. I attended and we got to move in our dorms early and meet new friends, RAs, staff, teachers, and found out where all our classes were. That lets me know, that they really care, they just don’t want to throw you out there to the "wolves!" Knowing that my school cares, makes me feel special and in a way want to achieve even greater things in life. It’s a great feeling to know, that your university has your back, and they really want you to walk across that stage and get your diploma!

    Read all  222 answers
  3. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    My school is a fun and educational get away from home. Most of the time there is always something to do on campus. The food is great, and the students are pretty friendly for the most part.

    Read all  48 answers
  4. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known that although they said that it is easy to get scholarships, in reality it is highly-competitive and cut-throat to receive money from this university. Also, I wish I had known that almost every weekend, most students go home so the campus is somehwat dead. I have adjusted to the lack of business during the weekend, but it was not what I had expected.

    Read all  44 answers
  5. What's unique about your campus?

    At Western Kentucky University i consider the best thing about my school, has to be the campus life. I feel very welcomed when I first attened the college. I feel as though it is a family oriented school. People speak when you walk by that you dont even know. That's what I think is the best about my college.

    Read all  42 answers
  6. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The worst thing about Western Kentucky University would have to be that it costs too much, even though it is a public school, it is still pricey.

    Read all  37 answers
  7. Describe the students at your school.

    Classmates are friendly welcoming and are willing to get to know other people and to have fun aka party.

    Read all  36 answers
  8. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    It's pretty

    Read all  32 answers
  9. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Our school is best known for specific programs such as our School of Broadcasting and Journalism and also is known for our school spirit along with our mascot Big Red. The scenery and beauty of the campus is one of the first things people mention when they first come to visit.

    Read all  31 answers
  10. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    This is hard for me to answer because I am transferring to WKU this year after obtaining two Associate Degrees from the Communiy College System. Right now I do not have any frustrations with the school. The application process and class scheduling has gone very smoothly. So far, the most frustrating thing is that it is in a different time zone from my home (I live in Eastern Kentucky)!

    Read all  29 answers
  11. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    My school isn't based in a large city so it seems to be more personal. The campus and buildings aren't spread out over a downtown area, they are all together.

    Read all  28 answers
  12. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Anyone who loves diversity and wants to become a teacher. Western holds the best teaching program in the state of Kentucky.

    Read all  27 answers
  13. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Anyone could come to Western and love it. As long as they are not looking for a huge school in a huge city, then anyone would love it. There is not a lot to do in Bowling Green, but Nashville is only an hour away. There are also many things to do and be involved in on campus. I would reccomend anyone to go to WKU!

    Read all  26 answers
  14. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    It seems more like a party school than most, however you can get a really great education here.

    Read all  5 answers
  15. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The quality of professor and lecture you get at WKU is a complete joke. Don't go to school here. They keep really bad professors, and the good professors leave because they don't pay enough - and they attract bad professors because of their mediocre salaries. While college life is important, if you have really bad professors, they can mess up your GPA and cause you a ton of stress - especially if you NEED to learn something for your future career. There is no school pride at WKU. Half the students walk around with UK shirts on - and why shouldn't they? There is no culture on this campus. There is only one campus restaurant outside of the cafeteria. There are limited social gatherings other than parties. The athletic events are horrible. The football team is embarrassing and there are no student tickets to watch the basketball games. It's an embarrassing situation that nobody wants to really be a part of. WKU is a boring university, but they don't even have the good quality professors overall to back it up. Take the tens of thousands of dollars you will invest in your education and go to another university.

    Read all  4 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    Professors are horrible. I have had some really good ones, but compared to UK (I transferred) they are nothing alike. Half of my professors wouldn't have lasted more than a semester at UK because the students would have complained about how bad the lectures were and the unfairness. Half the teachers just don't have any clue what they are doing - they don't listen to students and literally one is rumored to be literally crazy and on psychiatric drugs. WKU keeps really bad professors around. They really couldn't care less about the education they provide to the tuition payers of the university. All they care about is putting up new buildings to impress future applicants. Half of your classes will be a pain because the teachers are so terrible - and they will really mess with your GPA because you might unfairly get a D or C when you shouldn't have.

    Read all  4 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Athletic events are terrible. Good parties to go to, but that's it.

    Read all  3 answers
  18. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    WKU's campus isn't very diverse at all.

    Read all  1 answers
  19. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Yes

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

58%

female

42%

male

17,595

Total Undergrad Enrollment

2,676

Total Grad Students

23%

Out-Of-State

74%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

320

Student Organizations

18

Fraternities

13

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
9%
% Hispanic/Latino
3%
% White or Caucasian
77%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

94% of students attending Western Kentucky University receive some sort of financial aid. 37% were awarded federal grants. While 51% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$24,792

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,000

Books and Supplies

$7,713

Room and Board

33,505

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,398
$30 - $48K
$14,345
$48 - $75K
$14,523
$75 - $110K
$16,528
$110K & UP
$16,737

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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