Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · 4-year

Western Kentucky University has a 97.0% acceptance rate. Western Kentucky University is a public 4-year institution in Bowling Green, KY, with a median SAT of 930 and a median ACT of 18. The average net price is $10,990 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

97.0%

7,720 applicants

SAT Median

930

Combined score

ACT Median

18

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$10,990

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Western Kentucky University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Western Kentucky University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)8209301050
ACT (composite, 1–36)161820

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

54.6%

Retention Rate

78.3%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$43,889

Student Body

12,155

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Western Kentucky University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$7,087
$30,001 – $48,000$6,871
$48,001 – $75,000$9,765
$75,001 – $110,000$14,049
$110,000+$17,653

Top Majors at Western Kentucky University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Business, Management & Marketing550
Health Professions360
Social Sciences192
Education186
Psychology165
Communication & Journalism140
Visual & Performing Arts140
Liberal Arts & General Studies137
Parks, Recreation & Fitness127
Biological & Biomedical Sciences113

Financial Aid at Western Kentucky University

About Western Kentucky University

Official website: https://www.wku.edu/

Admissions: https://www.wku.edu/admissions/

Frequently Asked Questions About Western Kentucky University

What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 97%. it received about 7,720 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 930; the average net price is $10,990 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Western Kentucky University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Western Kentucky University?

Getting into Western Kentucky University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 97% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 930. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Western Kentucky University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Western Kentucky University?

Admitted students at Western Kentucky University typically have a median SAT around 930 and a median ACT around 18. With a 97% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Western Kentucky University?

The average net price at Western Kentucky University is $10,990 per year after grants and scholarships. about 99% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $10,906 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Western Kentucky University?

Western Kentucky University has a graduation rate of 55%. its first-year retention rate is 78%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $43,889. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Western Kentucky University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Western Kentucky University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Western Kentucky University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 930. With a 97% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Western Kentucky University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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