Contact Information

General Contact

Admissions Office

Financial Aid Office

ACCEPTANCE RATE

97.26%

FINANCIAL AID RATE

96%

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

18:1

DEGREE OFFERED ONLINE

186

FINANCIAL AID AWARD AVG.

$6,683

Average Grants + Scholarship Aid Awarded to Undergraduate Students

Percent of Full-Time Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid

Percent of Students Paying In-State Tuition vs Out-of-State Tuition

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School Map

Western Kentucky University

310 College St, Barbourville, KY

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is situated on a hilltop campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is a public research university with top research faculty and many nationally recognized academic programs. Some of the top WKU programs include journalism, business, education, broadcasting and engineering.

WKU, which is comprised of four campuses and Study Abroad/overseas programs, is the fastest growing university in Kentucky. High school juniors and seniors who are high achievers can enroll in the Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Sciences at WKU.

WKU has more than 170 academic study areas at the undergraduate and pre-professional levels. WKU offers associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor's degrees. There are 50 graduate programs to choose from.

WKU offers flexible programs through its University College, which are suited to non-traditional students such as working adults or those seeking lifelong learning. Flexible classes are offered at locations across the mid-state area.

History

Western Kentucky University was established in 1906 as one of two teacher training institutions - the Western Kentucky State Normal School in Bowling Green. Classes commenced in 1907. Eventually this state-supported school took over the Southern Normal School, and its owner, Henry cherry, became WKU's first president.  

In 1911, the school moved to the Hill, which is the present site of its main campus. The curricula continued to focus on teacher training for 10 years. The school was approved to grant four-year degrees, and in 1922, was approved to grant four-year degrees.

In 1927, Western merged with Ogden College. In 1930, Western's name was changed to Western Kentucky State Teachers College. In 1931, the first master's degree was offered.

The curriculum began to broaden beyond teacher training, and the name was changed to Western Kentucky State College in 1948.

In 1963, Western merged with the Bowling Green College of Commerce, which became a separate college within Western's structure. The Graduate School at Western also had separate status. In 1965, three more colleges formed:  the College of Education, the Ogden College of Science and Technology, and the Potter College of Liberal Arts. In 1966, the name was changed to Western Kentucky University.

Academics

The academic calendar for Western Kentucky University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters. WKU also offers a Winter Term in the month of January. Its summer semester is divided into two sessions in June, and two sessions in July.

Colleges and Schools

  • College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
  • College of Health and Human Services
  • Gordon Ford College of Business
  • Ogden College of Science and Engineering
  • Potter College of Arts & Letters
  • University College
  • Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
  • Honors College

Student Life

Students at Western Kentucky University enjoy a wide range of student services, including:

  • Academic Support Services
  • Advising
  • Library
  • Testing
  • Tutoring
  • Campus Safety
  • Campus Security
  • WKU Store
  • Career Services
  • Counseling Services
  • Disabilities Services
  • Health Services
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Community Links
  • Study Abroad 

Students at WKU are encouraged to join one of the many student clubs and organizations that are available for participation. Students may also log onto the WKU-O Blog to find out more about student clubs and activities on campus. There is a Dynamic Leadership Institute (DLI) on campus that teaches students interpersonal skills and the knowledge they will need to engage in leadership activities on campus.

On campus housing is available in one of the WKU Residence Halls, and there is a range of dining options available.

Traditions

The traditional school colors of Western Kentucky University are red, black and white. The athletic teams are called the WKU "Hilltoppers" or the WKU "Lady Toppers" for the women's teams. The mascot for WKU is "Big Red," a large, red, furry creature that was designed by a WKU student in 1979. Big Red represents the Spirit of Western.

There is a tradition of the "Red Towel at WKU, which began with the late basketball coach, E.A. Diddle. Coach Diddle used to clutch and wave a red towel throughout all Hilltopper basketball games. Now the Red Towel has become synonymous with outstanding basketball, and fans at WKU sporting events will wave red-colored towels in the air as they cheer for "Big Red."

Athletics

The Western Kentucky University "Hilltoppers" and "Lady Toppers" athletic teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field 

Women's Sports:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Swimming and Diving
  • Tennis
  • Track and Field
  • Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

The campuses of Western Kentucky University include its main campus at Bowling Green, Kentucky, and satellite campuses at:

  • Glasgow
  • Owensboro
  • Elizabethtown 

WKU also sends students each term to Harlaxton College in Grantham, England.

Community Life

WKU has outreach programs that allow students and faculty to interface with community business and industry, local organizations and more. The Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) offers both credit and non-credit classes to students of all ages. DELO partners with local businesses to plan special events, provide customized training, and develop degree programs that meet the needs of the organization.

The ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships brings campus and community together to enrich both higher education and public life. ALIVE CCP facilitates collaborative efforts that address local, regional, and global needs while also enhancing the level of student learning and educational experience.

Admission Requirements & Details

The admissions information below may provide a better idea of the applicants Western Kentucky University accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college credits that may be transferred.

College Credits Accepted

  • Dual Credits
  • AP Course Credits

Student Enrollment

Total enrollment at Western Kentucky University is around 19,000 students. The student body is made up of 88% undergraduate students and 15% graduate students.

$12,500

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $12,500. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $45 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

  • Annual tuition range estimates:
    • In-State: $11,000-$13,000
    • Out-of-State: $26,000-$31,800
  • Charges per unit:
    • State Residents: $450-$540 per credit unit
    • Nonresidents: $1,100-$1,300 per credit unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

 Percent of StudentsAverage Amount
Any Financial Aid96%-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships91%$7,911
Receiving Student Loans57%$5,901
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Academics & Student Services

Student Services

To help students and recent graduates, Western Kentucky University may offer services like:

  • Online course work available
  • Academic counseling for students
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Helping students find work after graduation
  • Day care for children

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

  • Art and Design Program
  • Dance Program
  • Dental Hygienist Program
  • Dietetics Program
  • Music Program
  • Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
  • Nursing (MSN, DSN) Program
  • Graduate Level Public Health (Outside School of Public Health) Program
  • Speech-Language Pathology Program
  • Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
  • Theatre Program

Intercollegiate Athletics

Western Kentucky University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-FBS classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:

  • Baseball (Conference Usa)
  • Basketball (Conference Usa)
  • Track and Field (Conference Usa)
  • Football (Conference Usa)
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
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Programs Offered

The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get More Information

Get more information about the programs offered by Western Kentucky University by clicking the request information to the right.

(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)

  • English Language and Literature

  • Legal Professions and Studies

  • Mathematics and Statistics

Other 4-Year Public Colleges

The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Western Kentucky University.

See a list of all the colleges and universities by clicking on one of the links below:

Contact Information

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