Western Kentucky University
WKU
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1000
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Western Kentucky University is a public institution in Bowling Green with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 977, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 12.3K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
54% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $43,889 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,916.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Hilltoppers
History & Fun Facts
- •Henry Hardin Cherry, WKU's founder, stands at the top of The Hill, in front of Cherry Hall The roots of Western Kentucky University go back to 1876 with the founding by A.
- •This moved to Bowling Green in 1884 and became the Southern Normal School and Business College.
- •In 1890, Potter College was opened as a private women's college by Pleasant J.
- •In 1906, Henry Hardin Cherry sold the Southern Normal School and became president of the Western Kentucky State Normal School, which had just been created by an act of the Kentucky General Assembly.
- •Southern's student body and its building became the new school, with classes beginning on January 22, 1907.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 977
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
64.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,702
Programs (215)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
78%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
94
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from KY state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Bowling Green
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Bowling Green, from real bookable tour times.
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