Research.com
Western Kentucky University logo

Western Kentucky University

#530 in US ranking Bowling Green, KY
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

Represent this school?

Update this profile on Research.com

Cost

Cost / year
$24,535
Tuition & fees
$12,072
Avg. aid
$9,681
Receiving aid
99%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
94%
SAT range
840–1050
ACT range
16–21

Outcomes

Graduation rate
56%
Median salary
$44,640
1 yr after graduation

What are the popular events and traditions at Western Kentucky University?

WKU's recurring campus events include Topper Fest, Homecoming, and Parent & Family Weekend. They bring different parts of the university community together rather than serving the same purpose.

Topper Fest is associated with the start-of-year welcome period and gives students opportunities to encounter campus activities. Homecoming centers on returning alumni and related campus celebrations, including athletics-associated events. Parent & Family Weekend is designed around visits by students' families and supporters. Dates, activities, and participation arrangements change annually, so the current events calendar is more reliable than a previous year's schedule.

What are the student housing and dining options at Western Kentucky University?

WKU offers university-operated undergraduate housing, including coeducational residence options, as well as campus meal plans and dining facilities. Housing availability should not be confused with a guarantee of a particular hall, room type, or roommate arrangement.

Students considering campus housing should review the current application timeline, contract terms, eligibility rules, and any first-year residency policy or exemption that applies to them. Residence halls have high-speed internet access, and first-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, subject to parking rules and permit availability. Meal plans differ in how and where they can be used; students should compare the required or available plan for their housing choice with their likely eating schedule.

Living off campus may change both costs and daily logistics. Before signing a private lease, students should account for its full term, utilities, transportation, parking, and whether it overlaps with a university housing contract.

Western Kentucky University Campus Life

College owned housing available

Yes

Co-ed housing

Yes

Freshmen can park on campus

Yes

Highspeed speed internet

Yes

School organizations

353

Western Kentucky University Campus at a Glance

Student-to-faculty ratio
18:1
Undergraduates living on campus
34%
Campus size
200 acres

Western Kentucky University Career Help & Outcomes

Career Centers:

Full time employees: 4

Career Counselling:

Individual: All undergraduates

Group: All undergraduates

Career Center services:

  • Job Interviews
  • Career library
  • Resume preparation
  • Resume refers to employers
  • Career/Interest testing
  • Interview workshop
  • Alumni network

Other information:

Job bank on campus

Yes

Job fairs on campus

Yes

On campus employer recruitment

All undergraduates

Western Kentucky University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Raymond Cravens Library

Number of libraries on campus

3

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Western Kentucky University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Western Kentucky University Location & Map

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

Recently Published Articles