C+
Above Average
Score: 59/100

Western Kentucky University

4-Year Public
📍 Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
🌐 https://www.wku.edu/
Outcomes
B
70/100
Affordability
C+
60/100
Resources
C
49/100
Experience
B+
80/100
Prestige
C
40/100

Quick Stats

16,759
Total Enrollment
54%
Graduation Rate
78%
Retention Rate
18.0:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
97%
Acceptance Rate
$12,054
Avg Net Price
🏠 Housing Market Near Western Kentucky University ▼

4% of students live off-campus (not with family), creating consistent rental demand near campus. That's approximately 637 students who need housing.

Avg Home Value
$240,322
Avg Monthly Rent
$1,146
1-Year Change
+0.9%
For parents & investors

The Western Kentucky University Town Property Report

  • Avg home value near campus: $240,322
  • Avg rent near campus: $1,146/mo — vs ~$817/mo campus room rate
  • Top nearby ZIP by cap rate: 42275 (4.4% cap, Roundhill)

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🏆 Where Western Kentucky University Ranks

Rankings based on Repit College Grade among schools offering each program.

#17
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General
of 26 schools
#24
Agriculture, General
of 50 schools
#27
Organizational Leadership
of 100 schools

Costs & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition $11,436 $27,000
Room $7,353
Board $4,690
Total Cost (On-Campus) $26,888 $42,452

Financial Aid

99%
Receive Any Aid
37%
Receive Pell Grants
47%
Take Out Loans
$12,054
Avg Net Price

Net Price by Family Income

Family Income Average Net Price
$0 - $30,000$10,075
$30,001 - $48,000$16,624
$48,001 - $75,000$17,417
$75,001 - $110,000$18,219
$110,001+$18,601

Student Demographics

16,759
Total Students
62%
Women
76%
Traditional Age (18-24)
4%
Off-Campus Renters

👥 Race & Ethnicity

White 75%
Hispanic 6%
Black 8%
Asian 3%
Two or More 4%
Non-Resident 1%

🏠 Living Arrangements

On Campus 77%
Off-Campus (Renters) 4%
With Family 19%
🏘️ Rental Demand: ~637 students need off-campus housing

💻 Learning Mode

In-Person 42%
Hybrid (Some Online) 38%
Fully Online 20%

📊 Age Distribution

18-24 (Traditional) 76%
25-64 (Adult) 9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University has an acceptance rate of 97%. This indicates a less selective admissions process with good chances for qualified applicants.
How much does it cost to attend Western Kentucky University?
Tuition at Western Kentucky University is $11,436 for in-state students and $27,000 for out-of-state students . However, the average net price after financial aid is $12,054.
What is the graduation rate at Western Kentucky University?
The graduation rate at Western Kentucky University is 54%. This graduation rate is below average. Consider factors like program type and student demographics when evaluating.
Is Western Kentucky University a good school?
Western Kentucky University has a Repit College Score of 59/100 (Grade: C+). Our rating evaluates five key factors:
  • Outcomes (B): Graduation and retention rates
  • Affordability (C+): Net cost and financial aid access
  • Resources (C): Class sizes and selectivity
  • Experience (B+): Campus life and learning format
  • Prestige (C): Reputation and recognition
How many students attend Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University has a total enrollment of 16,759 students. Most students (76%) are traditional college-age (18-24).
Is there rental demand near Western Kentucky University?
Yes! Approximately 4% of students at Western Kentucky University live off-campus (not with family). That's roughly 637 students who need rental housing near campus.

Deciding between a dorm and buying near campus? Run the numbers for Western Kentucky University — four years of dorm costs vs. owning, including what you’d recover at resale. Buy vs Dorm calculator →

🎓 Similar Colleges to Western Kentucky University

Compare with other 4-Year public institutions of similar size.

C+
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY · 8,618 students
C+
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY · 14,961 students
B
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY · 15,008 students
B
Murray State University
Murray, KY · 9,841 students
B
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY · 22,139 students
B
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY · 32,703 students

Data source: IPEDS 2023-24 | Last updated: September 2026 | Methodology