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IPEDS ID: 157951
OPE ID: 00200200
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Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1000
General information:  (270) 745-0111
Website:  www.wku.edu/
Type:  4-year, Public
Awards offered:  Less than one year certificate
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Campus setting:  City: Small
Campus housing:  Yes
Student population:  16,493 (14,440 undergraduate)
Student-to-faculty ratio:  18 to 1
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open-close General Information
Admissionswww.wku.edu/admissions/
Apply Onlinewww.wku.edu/admissions/
Financial Aidwww.wku.edu/financialaid/
Net Price Calculatortcc.ruffalonl.com/Western Kentucky University/Freshman-Students
Tuition Policies for Servicemembers and Veteranswww.wku.edu/veteran/
Disability Serviceswww.wku.edu/sarc/
Athletic Graduation Ratescatalog.wku.edu/undergraduate/university/notices/
Mission Statement
  www.wku.edu/about/mission.php
Special Learning Opportunities
Distance education – undergraduate programs offered
Distance education – graduate programs offered
ROTC (Army, Air Force)
Study abroad
Undergraduate research (co-curricula)
Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Student Services
Academic/career counseling service
Employment services for students
Placement services for completers
On-campus day care for students' children
Undergraduate students enrolled who are formally registered with office of disability services
7.56%
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Religious Affiliation
Not applicable
Federal Aid
Eligible students may receive Pell Grants and other federal aid (e.g. Direct Loans).
For-credit instruction programs offered
Occupational
Academic
Continuing professional
Recreational or avocational (leisure) programs
Secondary (high school)
Noncredit education offered
Workforce Education
Contract Training/Customized Training
Continuing Professional Education
Credit Accepted
Dual credit
Advanced placement (AP) credits
Faculty and graduate assistants by primary function, Fall 2022Full timePart time
Total faculty642298
Instructional642298
Research and public service00
Total graduate assistants-228
Instructional-134
Research-94
open-close Tuition, Fees, and Estimated Student Expenses
Estimated Expenses for Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students
  • Beginning students are those who are entering postsecondary education for the first time.
Estimated expenses for academic year2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023% change 2021-2022 to 2022-2023
Tuition and fees
In-state$10,802$10,802$10,992$11,1121.1%
Out-of-state$26,496$26,496$27,000$27,0000.0%
Books and supplies$1,000$1,000$1,000$1,0000.0%
Living arrangement
On Campus
Room and board$8,432$10,044$10,708$11,0723.4%
Other$2,035$2,086$2,115$2,2647.0%
Off Campus
Room and board$8,432$10,044$10,708$11,0723.4%
Other$4,080$4,238$5,195$5,5306.4%
Off Campus with Family
Other$2,035$2,086$2,115$2,2647.0%
Total Expenses2019-20202020-20212021-20222022-2023% change 2021-2022 to 2022-2023
In-state
On Campus$22,269$23,932$24,815$25,4482.6%
Off Campus$24,314$26,084$27,895$28,7142.9%
Off Campus with Family$13,837$13,888$14,107$14,3761.9%
Out-of-state
On Campus$37,963$39,626$40,823$41,3361.3%
Off Campus$40,008$41,778$43,903$44,6021.6%
Off Campus with Family$29,531$29,582$30,115$30,2640.5%
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This calculator uses estimated student expenses data to estimate the total tuition and fees charged over the duration of a typical 4-year program at this school.
1. Select starting academic year
2. Select tuition inflation rate
 
 
% (0-100 allowed)
  • The output is only an estimate and not a guarantee of the actual amount the student may be charged; it is not binding on the Secretary, the institution of higher education, or the State; and it may change, subject to the availability of financial assistance, State appropriations, and other factors. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance.
  • The estimated price does not include room and board, books and supplies, &c. (where applicable) and is based on previous years' tuition and fees data. Tuition and fees may vary by program. Please contact this institution for detailed price information.
  • Estimated yearly tuition and fees may not sum to totals because of rounding.
Estimate the total tuition and fee costs over the duration of a typical program.
 Multiyear Tuition Calculator
Average graduate student tuition and fees for academic year2022-2023
In-state tuition$12,140
In-state fees$0
Out-of-state tuition$18,340
Out-of-state fees$0
  • Tuition and fee charges increased/decreased when compared to last year.; The Cost of Attendance (COA) is based on a weighted average of student living arrangement categories while enrolled.;
Alternative Tuition Plans and Promise Program
Type of PlanOffered
Tuition guarantee plan
Prepaid tuition plan
Tuition payment planX
Other alternative tuition plan
  • Participates in a Promise program
  • The Hilltopper Guarantee applies to first-time freshmen from KY receiving Pell Grant, with at least a 3.0 cumulative unweighted high school GPA. This last-dollar scholarship amount varies and is determined by in-state tuition minus federal, state, and institutional gift aid. Student loans are not included, so they can still be used to pay for housing, meals, books, or other college expenses. The scholarship will be awarded automatically to admitted students who qualify.
open-close Financial Aid
Undergraduate Student Financial Aid, 2021-2022
Full-time Beginning Undergraduate Students
  • Beginning students are those who are entering postsecondary education for the first time.
Type of AidNumber awarded aidPercent awarded aidTotal amount of aid awardedAverage amount of aid awarded
Any student financial aid12,76899%————
Grant or scholarship aid2,76199%$28,328,301$10,260
Federal grants99236%$4,820,306$4,859
Pell grants99135%$4,733,306$4,776
Other federal grants1796%$87,000$486
State/local government grant or scholarships1,98371%$6,237,677$3,146
Institutional grants or scholarships2,63994%$17,270,318$6,544
Student loan aid1,43551%$9,444,373$6,581
Federal student loans1,40150%$7,165,809$5,115
Other student loans2097%$2,278,564$10,902
  • 1 Includes students awarded Federal work study aid and aid from other sources not listed above.
All Undergraduate Students
Type of AidNumber awarded aidPercent awarded aidTotal amount of aid awardedAverage amount of aid awarded
Degree/certificate-seeking
Grant or scholarship aid110,97988%$101,840,773$9,276
Pell grants4,26734%$19,755,972$4,630
Federal student loans5,60345%$35,317,586$6,303
Non-degree/non-certificate-seeking
Grant or scholarship aid11,52469%$4,418,566$2,899
  • 1 Grant or scholarship aid includes aid awarded, from the federal government, state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.

  • For more information on Student Financial Assistance Programs or to apply for financial aid via the web, visit Federal Student Aid.
open-close Net Price
Average Net Price for Full-Time Beginning Students
Full-time beginning undergraduate students who paid the in-state or in-district tuition rate and were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution.
2019-20202020-20212021-2022
Average net price$12,705$12,395$12,625
Full-time beginning undergraduate students who paid the in-state or in-district tuition rate and were awarded Title IV aid by income.
Average net price by Income2019-20202020-20212021-2022
$0 – $30,000$12,195$11,303$11,845
$30,001 – $48,000$16,211$16,192$16,978
$48,001 – $75,000$17,490$15,852$15,982
$75,001 – $110,000$16,529$15,859$17,876
$110,001 and more$15,338$16,059$18,666
  • Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state/local government, or institutional grant or scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies, and the weighted average for room and board and other expenses.
  • Beginning students are those who are entering postsecondary education for the first time.
  • Title IV aid to students includes grant aid, work study aid, and loan aid. These include: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant), Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loan, Subsidized Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan, and Unsubsidized Direct or FFEL Stafford Loan. For those Title IV recipients, net price is reported by income category and includes students awarded federal aid even if none of that aid was provided in the form of grants. While Title IV status defines the cohort of student for which the data are reported, the definition of net price remains the same – total cost of attendance minus grant aid.
Net Price Calculator
An institution’s net price calculator allows current and prospective students, families, and other consumers to estimate the net price of attending that institution for a particular student.
Visit this institution's net price calculator
open-close Enrollment
Fall 2022
Total enrollment16,493
Undergraduate enrollment14,440
Undergraduate transfer-in enrollment757
Graduate enrollment2,053
Undergraduate Attendance StatusUndergraduate Student Gender
Undergraduate Attendance Status: Full-time: 77% Part-time: 23%Undergraduate Student Gender: Male: 38% Female: 62%
Undergraduate Race/ethnicity
Undergraduate Race/ethnicity: American Indian or Alaska Native: 0% Asian: 3% Black or African American: 8% Hispanic/Latino: 5% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 0% White: 77% Two or more races: 4% Race/ethnicity unknown: 1% U.S. Nonresident: 1%
Undergraduate Student AgeUndergraduate Student Residence
Undergraduate Student Age: 24 and under: 90% 25 and over: 10% Age unknown: 0%Undergraduate Student Residence: In-state: 70% Out-of-state: 29% Foreign countries: 0% Unknown: 0%
  • Age data are reported for Fall 2021.
  • Residence data are reported for first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates.
Undergraduate Distance Education Status
Undergraduate Enrollment by Distance Education Status: Enrolled exclusively in distance education courses: 13% Enrolled in some, but not all, distance education courses: 42% Not enrolled in any distance education courses: 44%
Graduate Attendance Status
Graduate Attendance Status: Full-time: 36% Part-time: 64%
Graduate Distance Education Status
Graduate Enrollment by Distance Education Status: Enrolled exclusively in distance education courses: 60% Enrolled in some, but not all, distance education courses: 13% Not enrolled in any distance education courses: 27%
open-close Admissions
Undergraduate application fee (2022-2023): $50
Undergraduate Admissions Fall 2022
TotalMaleFemale
Number of applicants7,5052,7264,779
Percent admitted97%96%97%
Percent admitted who enrolled38%39%37%
Admissions ConsiderationsRequired to be consideredNot required, but consideredNot considered
Secondary school GPAX
Secondary school rankX
Secondary school recordX
Completion of college-preparatory programX
RecommendationsX
Formal demonstration of competenciesX
Work experienceX
Personal statement or essayX
Legacy statusNot applicableX
Admission test scoresRequired to be consideredNot required, but considered (Test Optional)Not considered (Test Blind)
SAT / ACTX
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc)X
English Proficiency TestX
Test Scores: Fall 2022 (enrolled first-time students)
Students submitting scoresNumberPercent
SAT90%
ACT652%
Test Scores25th Percentile*50th Percentile** (median)75th Percentile***
NOTES:
*   25% of students scored at or below
**  50% of students scored above and 50% scored below (i.e., midpoint of the test score distribution)
*** 25% of students scored above
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing500540590
SAT Math480530580
ACT Composite182125
ACT English172125
ACT Math172024
  • Data apply to first-time degree/certificate-seeking students.
  • Institutions are asked to report test scores only if they are required for admission. If an institution reports less than 5 students for any of the test scores, percentiles are not reported.
  • Students with a 2.00-2.49 unweighted high school GPA may be admitted via WKU’s Summer Scholars program. Students with less than a 2.00 unweighted high school GPA are not admissible.
  • Students with an unweighted high school GPA of 2.50 or higher are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. Students with a GPA of 2.0 to 2.49 need to submit ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission. Students with a GPA of less than 2.0 are not admissible. Some scholarships/academic programs may still require submission of ACT or SAT scores to determine eligibility.
open-close Retention and Graduation Rates
First-to-Second Year Retention Rates

Retention rates measure the percentage of first-time students who are seeking bachelor's degrees who return to the institution to continue their studies the following fall.

Retention Rates for First-Time Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
Student retention: Full-time students: 77% Part-time students: 36%
Percentage of Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2021 and Returned in Fall 2022
Overall Graduation Rate and Transfer-Out Rate

The overall graduation rate is also known as the "Student Right to Know" or IPEDS graduation rate. It tracks the progress of students who began their studies as full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking students to see if they complete a degree or other award such as a certificate within 150% of "normal time" for completing the program in which they are enrolled.

Some institutions also report a transfer-out rate, which is the percentage of the full-time, first-time students who transferred to another institution without completing at the current institution.

Note that not all students at the institution are tracked for these rates. Students who have already attended another postsecondary institution, or who began their studies on a part-time basis, are not tracked for this rate. At this institution, 77 percent of entering students were counted as "full-time, first-time" in 2022.

Overall Graduation and Transfer-Out Rates for Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2016
Overall graduation rate: Overall graduation rate: 51% Transfer-out rate: 25%
Percentage of Full-time, First-Time Students Who Graduated or Transferred Out Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rates

Bachelor’s degree graduation rates measure the percentage of entering students beginning their studies full-time and are planning to get a bachelor’s degree and who complete their degree program within a specified amount of time.

Graduation Rates for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
Bachelor's degree rate: [Began in Fall 2014] 4-year: 37% 6-year: 55% 8-year: 56% [Began in Fall 2016] 4-year: 40% 6-year: 54%
Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Graduated in the Specified Amount of Time and Began in Fall 2014 or Fall 2016
6-Year Graduation Rate by Gender for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
6-Year Graduation Rate by Gender for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees: Male: 51% Female: 56%
Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2016 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program
6-Year Graduation Rate by Race/Ethnicity for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees
6-Year Graduation Rate by Race/Ethnicity for Students Pursuing Bachelor's Degrees: American Indian or Alaska Native: 11% Asian: 60% Black or African American: 26% Hispanic/Latino: 58% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 50% White: 59% Two or more races: 32% Race/ethnicity unknown: 14% U.S. Nonresident: 50%
Percentage of Full-time, First-time Students Who Began Their Studies in Fall 2016 and Received a Degree or Award Within 150% of "Normal Time" to Completion for Their Program
open-close Outcome Measures
  • Alternative measures of student success are reported by degree-granting institutions to describe the outcomes of degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students who are not only first-time, full-time students, but also part-time attending and non-first-time (transfer-in) students. These measures are also reported for students receiving Pell grants and those students that do not receive Pell grants. These measures provide the 8-year award-completion rates by award level (certificates, associate's and bachelor degrees) after entering an institution. For students who did not earn any undergraduate award after 8-years of entry, the enrollment statuses are reported as either still enrolled at the institution, or subsequently transferred out of the institution. Unlike the Graduation Rates data, all reporting institutions must report on their transfer outs regardless if the institution has a mission that provides substantial transfer preparation.
FULL-TIME, FIRST-TIME DEGREE/CERTIFICATE-SEEKING UNDERGRADUATES WHO ENTERED IN 2014-15
Award and enrollment rate: [All students] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 1% Received a Bachelor's degree: 52% Enrolled at same institution: 1% Enrolled at different institution: 24% [Pell] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 1% Received a Bachelor's degree: 39% Enrolled at same institution: 1% Enrolled at different institution: 29% [Non-Pell] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 1% Received a Bachelor's degree: 61% Enrolled at same institution: 0% Enrolled at different institution: 20%
PART-TIME, FIRST-TIME DEGREE/CERTIFICATE-SEEKING UNDERGRADUATES WHO ENTERED IN 2014-15
Award and enrollment rate: [All students] Received a certificate: 1% Received an Associate's degree: 2% Received a Bachelor's degree: 6% Enrolled at same institution: 1% Enrolled at different institution: 24% [Pell] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 3% Received a Bachelor's degree: 3% Enrolled at same institution: 0% Enrolled at different institution: 23% [Non-Pell] Received a certificate: 2% Received an Associate's degree: 2% Received a Bachelor's degree: 9% Enrolled at same institution: 2% Enrolled at different institution: 25%
FULL-TIME, NON-FIRST-TIME DEGREE/CERTIFICATE-SEEKING UNDERGRADUATES WHO ENTERED IN 2014-15
Award and enrollment rate: [All students] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 2% Received a Bachelor's degree: 61% Enrolled at same institution: 1% Enrolled at different institution: 12% [Pell] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 2% Received a Bachelor's degree: 55% Enrolled at same institution: 0% Enrolled at different institution: 12% [Non-Pell] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 2% Received a Bachelor's degree: 66% Enrolled at same institution: 1% Enrolled at different institution: 12%
PART-TIME, NON-FIRST-TIME DEGREE/CERTIFICATE-SEEKING UNDERGRADUATES WHO ENTERED IN 2014-15
Award and enrollment rate: [All students] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 7% Received a Bachelor's degree: 39% Enrolled at same institution: 0% Enrolled at different institution: 21% [Pell] Received a certificate: 0% Received an Associate's degree: 8% Received a Bachelor's degree: 37% Enrolled at same institution: 0% Enrolled at different institution: 22% [Non-Pell] Received a certificate: 1% Received an Associate's degree: 6% Received a Bachelor's degree: 40% Enrolled at same institution: 0% Enrolled at different institution: 20%
open-close Programs/Majors
Completions (Number of awards conferred) 2021-2022
Completions are the number of awards conferred by program and award level.
sort byProgramUndergraduate
Certificate		Postgraduate
Certificate		AssociateBachelorMasterDoctor
  • Data shown are for first majors.
  • (-) Program is not offered at this award level.
  • d identifies programs and award levels that are offered as a distance education program. For program category totals, d is shown if one or more programs in the category are offered as a distance education program.
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
Agriculture, General---732d-
Floriculture/Floristry Operations and Management0-----
Food Technology and Processing3-----
Category total3--732d-
Architecture and Related Services
Architectural Technology/Technician---22--
Category total---22--
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
Asian Studies/Civilization---0--
Chinese Studies0-----
Deaf Studies0-----
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other---3--
Folklore Studies----4-
Women's Studies-3d----
Category total03d-34-
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Biochemistry---10--
Biology/Biological Sciences, General-6d-10012d-
Epidemiology-7d----
Molecular Genetics---3--
Category total-13d-11312d-
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
Accounting---7318-
Business Administration and Management, General-3d-144d71d-
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other24d----
Business/Managerial Economics---16--
Construction Management, General---30--
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies---13--
Finance, General---76--
Financial Planning and Services9-----
Hospitality Administration/Management, General---29--
International Business/Trade/Commerce---17--
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management-0d----
Management Information Systems, General---3d--
Management Science---0d--
Marketing/Marketing Management, General---134--
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management-6d----
Organizational Leadership32d5d4d65d90d-
Real Estate3-----
Category total46d18d4d600d179d-
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Advertising5--17--
Broadcast Journalism---35--
Communication Management and Strategic Communications5-----
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia16-----
Health Communication-8d----
Journalism---15--
Mass Communication/Media Studies---1--
Organizational Communication, General203d-28--
Photojournalism---8--
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication-7d----
Public Relations/Image Management---25--
Radio and Television---9--
Speech Communication and Rhetoric---288-
Category total4618d-1668-
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Computer and Information Sciences, General----3-
Computer Science---25--
Information Science/Studies-1----
Information Technology---60d--
Category total-1-85d3-
Education
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching-7d--4d-
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services-5d--19-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services-2d----
Curriculum and Instruction-5d----
Early Childhood Education and Teaching---419-
Education/Teaching of the Gifted and Talented-0--10d-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General----119
Educational, Instructional, and Curriculum Supervision3-----
Educational/Instructional Technology28---7d-
Elementary Education and Teaching---9011-
Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher Education---22d--
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching---102-
Learning Sciences-3----
Mathematics Teacher Education-3d----
Music Teacher Education----7-
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching0--207d-
Reading Teacher Education----2d-
Secondary Education and Teaching----2-
Special Education and Teaching, General---2727-
Student Counseling and Personnel Services, Other-1d----
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other-0d----
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels---26-
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language, Other-0d----
Technical Teacher Education--1d---
Trade and Industrial Teacher Education---3--
Category total3126d1d178d124d19
Engineering
Civil Engineering, General---33--
Electrical and Electronics Engineering---12--
Mechanical Engineering---46--
Category total---91--
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians
Engineering/Industrial Management----4d-
Industrial Technology/Technician---10d--
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician---27--
Quality Control Technology/Technician-3d----
Category total-3d-37d4d-
English Language and Literature/Letters
Creative Writing----6-
English Language and Literature, General---307-
English Language and Literature/Letters, Other---10--
Category total---4013-
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
Apparel and Textiles, General---40--
Child Care Provider/Assistant21d-----
Family and Community Services----5d-
Category total21d--405d-
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Arabic Language and Literature---4--
Chinese Language and Literature---10--
German Language and Literature---0--
Spanish Language and Literature0--8--
Category total0--22--
Health Professions and Related Programs
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist----82-
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist---4--
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General---33--
Community Health and Preventive Medicine---12--
Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling1-----
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist--821d--
Dietetics/Dietitian-0----
Environmental Health23d-35d-
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing-1----
Health and Medical Administrative Services, Other28d-----
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator---14d--
Health Services Administration-0----
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General---53d--
Health/Health Care Administration/Management---58d11d-
Medical Informatics12d-----
Nursing Practice-----20
Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene4d-----
Physical Therapy/Therapist-----29
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing-15d----
Public Health Education and Promotion56d----
Public Health, General3---18d-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse--111d17016-
Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling-12d----
Category total55d37d119d368d132d49
History
History, General---185d-
Category total---185d-
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management10d11d----
Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy-0d--0-
Category total10d11d--0-
Legal Professions and Studies
Legal Assistant/Paralegal0-28--
Pre-Law Studies---0--
Category total0-28--
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
General Studies0-40d138d--
Category total0-40d138d--
Library Science
Library and Information Science----20d-
Category total----20d-
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics, General---2010-
Category total---2010-
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences----0d-
Business Analytics116d--18d--
Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis-1----
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis---4--
Data Analytics, General-5d----
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other---2--
Category total116d6d-24d0d-
Natural Resources and Conservation
Environmental Studies---8--
Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management0-----
Category total0--8--
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology
Exercise Science and Kinesiology---58--
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General-12d-1438d-
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management211d----
Sports Studies---57--
Category total223d-12938d-
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies---2--
Category total---2--
Physical Sciences
Chemistry, General---209-
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other2-----
Geology/Earth Science, General---8--
Meteorology---7--
Physical Sciences, General---2--
Physics, General---3--
Category total2--409-
Psychology
Applied Behavior Analysis-0d----
Counseling Psychology----27-
Psychology, General---11124-
Research and Experimental Psychology, Other---37--
School Psychology----108
Category total-0d-148618
Public Administration and Social Service Professions
Community Organization and Advocacy----4d-
Public Administration-7d--8-
Social Work---86d49d-
Category total-7d-86d61d-
Social Sciences
Anthropology, General---10--
Criminology---64d4d-
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics-0d-1713d-
Economics, General---12d--
Geographic Information Science and Cartography18d--1d--
Geography---176-
International Relations and Affairs---10--
Political Science and Government, General---28--
Social Sciences, General---5--
Sociology, General---24d2-
Category total18d0d-188d25d-
Visual and Performing Arts
Art History, Criticism and Conservation---2--
Cinematography and Film/Video Production---11--
Dance, General---15--
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General---12--
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other---10--
Fine/Studio Arts, General---58--
Game and Interactive Media Design3-----
Graphic Design0-----
Music Performance, General---27--
Music, Other---10--
Category total3--145--
Grand total3531661662,79271576
open-close Servicemembers and Veterans
Services and Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)
Credit for military training
Dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military servicemembers, and their families
Recognized student veteran organization
Member of Department of Defense Voluntary Educational Partnership Memorandum of Understanding
  • Although Western Kentucky University is currently a Yellow Ribbon participating school, WKU only charges the in-state rate of tuition for all students using VA educational benefits. Therefore, no Yellow Ribbon is required.
Tuition policies specifically for Veterans and Servicemembers
Educational Benefits, 2021-2022
Number of students receiving benefits/assistance
Number of students receiving benefits/assistance: Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - undergraduates: 253 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - graduates: 32 DoD Tuition Assistance Program - undergraduates: 66 DoD Tuition Assistance Program - graduates: 89
Average amount of benefits/assistance disbursed through the institution
Average amount of benefits/assistance disbursed through the institution: Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - undergraduates: $9,080 Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits - graduates: $8,225 DoD Tuition Assistance Program - undergraduates: $3,078 DoD Tuition Assistance Program - graduates: $2,596
RETENTION RATES
RETENTION RATES FOR FIRST-TIME, DEGREE/CERTIFICATE EDUCATION BENEFIT USERS PURSUING BACHELOR'S DEGREES
RETENTION RATES FOR FIRST-TIME, DEGREE/CERTIFICATE EDUCATION BENEFIT USERS PURSUING BACHELOR'S DEGREES Full-time students: 68% Part-time students: 43%
Retention rate is the percentage of undergraduate students who began their studies in academic year 2013-14 and returned in academic year 2014-15
open-close Varsity Athletic Teams
Athletics Participation
  • Sanction Body: NCAA Division I-FBS
Varsity Men's and Women's TeamsMenWomen
All Track Combined7667
Baseball50–
Basketball1515
Football129–
Golf1210
Soccer–30
Softball–20
Tennis–10
Volleyball–15
open-close Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
AccreditorStatusNext Review Date
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on CollegesAccredited since (01/01/1926)12/08/2025
Programmatic Accreditation
Accreditor / ProgramStatusNext Review Date
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Didactic Program in DieteticsAccredited since (02/01/1976)12/31/2023
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. – May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
Nursing (ADNUR) - Associate degree programsAccredited since (12/01/1966)6/30/2023
American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
Dental Hygiene (DH)Accredited since (05/14/1970)12/31/2027
American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
Physical Therapy (PT) - Professional programs for the physical therapistAccredited since (05/04/2016)12/31/2031
Physical Therapy (PT) - Professional programs for the physical therapistPreaccredited (04/24/2013 - 06/03/2016)
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) - Graduate degree programsAccredited since (08/01/1993)08/01/2029
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Nursing (CNDNP) - Nursing education programs at the doctorate degree levelsAccredited since (02/27/2013)1/1/2027
Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levelsAccredited since (09/28/2002)1/1/2027
Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levelsAccredited since (09/28/2002)1/1/2027
Council on Education for Public Health
Public Health Programs (PHPBG) - Baccalaureate and Graduate level programs offered outside a school of public healthAccredited since (10/07/2016)12/31/2023
Public Health Programs (PHPG) - Graduate level program offered outside a school of public healthAccredited (06/01/2002 - 10/07/2016)
 No Longer Recognized  National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Teacher Education (TED) - Baccalaureate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for elementary and secondary schoolsAccredited since (01/01/1954)06/20/2018
Internship/Residency
Accreditor / Program / DepartmentStatusNext Review Date
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Dietetics (DIETI) - Dietetic InternshipAccredited since ((!)07/29/2016)12/31/2023
Dietetics (DIETI) - Dietetic InternshipPreaccredited (06/13/2013 - 07/29/2016)
  • (!) Estimated date
  • For more detailed information on accreditation for this institution, including all actions and justification for actions, visit OPE's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs: ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/institution-profile/118222.
open-close Campus Security and Safety
On-Campus
Criminal Offenses201920202021
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter000
b. Negligent manslaughter000
c. Rape244
d. Fondling000
e. Incest000
f. Statutory Rape000
g. Robbery010
h. Aggravated assault100
i. Burglary523
j. Motor vehicle theft111
k. Arson000
VAWA Offenses201920202021
a. Domestic violence300
b. Dating violence201
c. Stalking000
Arrests201920202021
a. Weapons: carrying, possessing, etc.110
b. Drug abuse violations952829
c. Liquor law violations21126
Disciplinary Actions201920202021
a. Weapons: carrying, possessing, etc.100
b. Drug abuse violations361543
c. Liquor law violations130154199
On-Campus Student Housing Facilities
  • On-campus Student Housing Facilities statistics are a subset of On-Campus statistics.
Criminal Offenses201920202021
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter000
b. Negligent manslaughter000
c. Rape244
d. Fondling000
e. Incest000
f. Statutory Rape000
g. Robbery000
h. Aggravated assault100
i. Burglary510
j. Motor vehicle theft000
k. Arson000
VAWA Offenses201920202021
a. Domestic violence200
b. Dating violence201
c. Stalking000
Arrests201920202021
a. Weapons: carrying, possessing, etc.000
b. Drug abuse violations561613
c. Liquor law violations1893
Disciplinary Actions201920202021
a. Weapons: carrying, possessing, etc.000
b. Drug abuse violations361543
c. Liquor law violations130154198
  • The crime data reported by the institutions have not been subjected to independent verification by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, the Department cannot vouch for the accuracy of the data reported here.
  • The crime statistics displayed only includes On-Campus data associated with the main campus as listed on College Navigator. For statistics associated with each campus location, off campus data, and for additional information covering Hate Crimes, and Fire statistics see https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety.
  • The On-Campus data do not include incidents that: (a) took place on public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus; (b) took place on any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or (c) took place on any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution's educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.
open-close Cohort Default Rates
Three-year Official Cohort Default Rates
Fiscal Year202020192018
Default rate0.0%2.1%6.9%
Number in default190298
Number in repayment3,8214,1534,296
Aid Programs
  • Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan)
IES    
NCES
National Center for
Education Statistics
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