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Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY·Public·https://www.wku.edu/

Campus Identity

NCAA D1PhD Programs

Western Kentucky University is a mid-size public university in Bowling Green, KY. Approximately 12,155 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

At a Glance

Western Kentucky University is a mid-size public university in Bowling Green, KY. Approximately 12,155 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 94% acceptance rate. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

94%
Acceptance Rate
9,840 applications
18
ACT Score (50th %ile)
Range: 16–21
$10,992
In-State Tuition
$27,000
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,582
Room & Board
12,155
Total Enrollment
Undergraduate students
30%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
NCAA D1
Athletics
USA
Selectivity94% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

420490530

SAT Math

420440520

Campus Lifestyle

Athletics

NCAA D1

USA

School Size & Setting

10,000–19,999

Urban setting

Ski Access

109 miles

Paoli Peaks

Weather

Warm Climate

53°F avg school-year

Nearby Ski Resorts

109 mi away
65 skiable acres8 lifts
172 mi away
100 skiable acres12 lifts
176 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Bowling Green, KY

37°Jan41°Feb49°Mar59°Apr68°May76°Jun80°Jul79°Aug71°Sep60°Oct48°Nov41°Dec

Station: BOWLING GREEN WARREN CO Airport · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

52/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety496641
49/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
66/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
41/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.

Tuition
$10,992$27,000
Room & Board
$12,582$12,582
Total
$23,574$39,582
In-StateOut-of-State
App Fee: $50

These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.

Calculate Your Net Price

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Western Kentucky University located?

Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY. The main campus address is 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 94%, making it accessible. Out of 9,840 applicants, 9,237 were admitted in the most recent year. 12,155 students enrolled.

What ACT score do you need for Western Kentucky University?

The middle 50% of enrolled students at Western Kentucky University scored between 16 and 21 on the ACT, with a median of 18. About 3% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.

How much does it cost to attend Western Kentucky University?

For the 2023–24 academic year, Western Kentucky University charges $10,992/year for in-state students and $27,000/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($12,582/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $27,000/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use Western Kentucky University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Western Kentucky University?

The undergraduate application fee at Western Kentucky University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

Does Western Kentucky University have college sports?

Yes — Western Kentucky University competes at the NCAA D1 level in the USA. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.

Is Western Kentucky University the right fit for me?

Whether Western Kentucky University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (94% admit rate), cost ($27,000/year out-of-state), campus culture in Bowling Green, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Kentucky University against similar schools side-by-side.

Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Kentucky University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

Quick Facts

Type
Public
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Size
10,000–19,999
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, Certificates
NCAA
NCAA D1
Conference
USA
School Year Weather
Warm · 53°F avg
App Fee
$50
On Campus Safety Score
52/100
Nearest Airport
Bowling Green, KY (BWG) · 3 mialso BNA (61 mi), HOP (61 mi)

Location

Bowling Green, KY

Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.