# Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/western-kentucky-university

Western Kentucky University is a public college in Bowling Green, KY with 12,155 undergraduates. It admits 94% of applicants, and admitted students average 971 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $11,789 per year ($9,356 for families earning under $30,000). 56% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $48,408 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 94% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 7,720 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 7,492 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | 420–530 (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | 420–520 (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 16–21 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $24,535 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $11,789 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $9,356 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $7,809 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $8,394 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $13,925 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $19,009 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 12,155 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 56% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $48,408 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 (FY2024) |

## What Western Kentucky University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Required
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Required
- Class rank: Not considered
- Essay or personal statement: Not considered
- Recommendations: Not considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Required

## FAQ

**What is Western Kentucky University's acceptance rate?**

Western Kentucky University admits 94% of applicants, which makes it open.

**What SAT score do you need for Western Kentucky University?**

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 420–530 on SAT Reading and Writing and 420–520 on SAT Math; the average total is 971.

**What ACT score do you need for Western Kentucky University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 16–21.

**Is Western Kentucky University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Western Kentucky University?**

In Fall 2023, 7,720 students applied to Western Kentucky University and 7,492 were admitted; 2,822 enrolled.

**Does Western Kentucky University consider legacy status?**

No. Western Kentucky University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Western Kentucky University require an essay?**

Western Kentucky University reported that an essay or personal statement is not considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Western Kentucky University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $24,535 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $11,789.

**What is Western Kentucky University's graduation rate?**

56% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 157951. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology