Campus Identity
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. Barren River Lake is about 20 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
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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. Barren River Lake is about 20 miles from campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 52/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)
SAT Evidence-Based Reading
SAT Math
Campus Lifestyle
Western Kentucky University is a 10,000–19,999, urban school with NCAA D1 athletics. The campus is 109 miles from Paoli Peaks.
Athletics
NCAA D1
USA
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Urban setting
Weather
Warm Climate
53°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Western Kentucky University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Paoli Peaks, 109 miles away with 8 lifts and 65 skiable acres. All are within 176 miles of campus.
Indiana
Indiana
Alabama
Nearby Lake
Barren River Lake is 20 miles from campus, giving Western Kentucky University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Barren River Lake
Lake access within 19.5 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green has a mild climate, with winters averaging 37°F in Jan and summers peaking around 80°F in Jul.
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
Western Kentucky University in KY earns a composite safety score of 52/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
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
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,652 | $27,000 |
| Room & Board | $12,582 | $12,582 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $24,234 | $39,582 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
202 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
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 2024-25 academic year, Western Kentucky University charges $11,652/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 is approximately $27,000/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $10,990/year — what students actually pay. 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), avg net price ($10,990/year after aid), campus culture in Bowling Green, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Kentucky University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Kentucky University directly for the most current information.
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