
Western Kentucky University, founded in 1906, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,590 students as of Fall 2023. The university has locations across the state of Kentucky, with regional campuses in Glasgow, Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, and Owensboro, and a main campus overlooking the Barren River valley. Western Kentucky University offers a wide range of academic programs, with five academic colleges, an honours college, and a graduate school. The university is also known for its journalism program, with 27 alumni having received Pulitzer Prizes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total undergraduate enrollment | 14,590 (fall 2023) |
| Gender distribution | 38.3% male, 61.2% female |
| Housing | 36% on-campus, 64% off-campus |
| Number of colleges | 5 |
| Number of regional campuses | 3 |
| Number of student organizations | 350+ |
| Number of fraternities and sororities | 30+ |
| Number of degrees offered | 100+ |
| Median undergraduate tuition | $11,112 |
| Average yearly cost of room and board | $10,708 |
| Average yearly cost of books and supplies | $1,000 |
| Percentage of students receiving financial aid through grants | 85% |
| Percentage of students receiving financial aid through loans | 38% |
| Number of Pulitzer Prizes awarded to alumni | 13 |
| Number of Hilltoppers athletic teams | 2 |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Kentucky University has a total of 14,590 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023
- The gender distribution is 38.3% male and 61.2% female
- The university offers over 350 student organisations, including more than 30 fraternities and sororities
- In 2022, 37% of students graduated within 4 years, 55% within 6 years, and 56% within 8 years
- The median undergraduate tuition is $11,112, with an average net price of $12,625 after financial aid

Western Kentucky University has a total of 14,590 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023
Western Kentucky University, also known as WKU, has a total of 14,590 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023. The university has a gender distribution of 38.3% male students and 61.2% female students. This means that there are 1,159 more women than men enrolled at the university. WKU has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The institution has evolved over the years, with its main campus now situated atop a hill overlooking the Barren River valley. WKU is home to the "Hilltoppers," a fitting nickname for an institution perched on a hilltop.
WKU offers its students a wide range of academic opportunities. Undergraduates can choose from over 100 majors and pre-professional programs across five colleges. The university also offers over 50 online degrees, providing flexibility for those who cannot attend classes in person. Business, health professions, and education are among the most popular subjects, and WKU is particularly renowned for its journalism program. The school publishes a twice-weekly newspaper, the College Heights Herald, and WKU's photo and print journalism programs have produced numerous Pulitzer Prize winners.
In addition to its academic offerings, WKU provides a vibrant campus life. There are over 350 student organizations, more than 30 fraternities and sororities, and community service opportunities. The university also has a strong athletic presence, with Division I sports teams known as the Hilltoppers (men's) and Lady Toppers (women's). Their mascot, Big Red, has even appeared in ESPN promotions.
When it comes to student accommodation, 36% of WKU students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 64% choose to live off-campus. The average yearly cost of room and board at WKU was $10,708 in 2022, with an additional $1,000 estimated for books and supplies. The university offers financial support to its students, with 85% of undergraduates receiving financial aid through grants, loans, or both in 2022. WKU also guarantees tuition coverage for entering freshmen from Kentucky who receive Pell Grant assistance.
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The gender distribution is 38.3% male and 61.2% female
Western Kentucky University (WKU) has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,590 students, with a gender distribution of 38.3% male and 61.2% female. This means that there are approximately 5,578 male students and 8,925 female students enrolled at the university. This disparity in gender distribution is also reflected in the number of degrees awarded to men and women at WKU. In 2022, 1,159 more women than men received degrees from the university.
WKU has a long history dating back to 1876 with the founding of the Glasgow Normal School and Business College in Glasgow, Kentucky. The university as it is known today was established in 1906 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and its main campus is located atop a hill overlooking the Barren River valley. WKU offers a wide range of academic programs and is particularly known for its journalism program. The university houses five academic colleges, an honours college, and a graduate school, providing over 100 majors and pre-professional programs for students to choose from.
WKU also has a strong athletic presence, with the Western Kentucky athletic teams called the Hilltoppers for men's teams and the Lady Toppers for women's teams. Their mascot, Big Red, has appeared in ESPN promotions. The university is a member of the NCAA Division I and primarily competes in the Conference USA (C-USA). WKU offers a variety of sports and recreation opportunities for its students, including over 350 student organisations, more than 30 fraternities and sororities, and community service initiatives.
In addition to its academic and athletic offerings, WKU provides financial support to its students. The university awarded over $600,000 in funding to students in the 2020-2021 academic year. WKU also offers academic merit awards ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 annually. The median undergraduate tuition for the 2022 academic year was $11,112, and 85% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, with 38% receiving aid through loans.
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The university offers over 350 student organisations, including more than 30 fraternities and sororities
Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a plethora of opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom. With over 350 student organisations, there is something for everyone. The university values the personal development of its students and encourages them to explore their interests and passions.
One aspect of student life at WKU is the presence of fraternities and sororities. The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) governs nine historically African American fraternities and sororities, providing on-campus activities such as educational programs, weekend dances, and the Homecoming Step Show. The council works closely with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the Panhellenic Council, which oversees nine National Panhellenic Conference sororities, a local sorority called Sigma Alpha, and the service sorority Omega Phi Alpha. Together, these organisations foster the four main aspects of Greek life: scholarship, leadership, service, and sisterhood/brotherhood.
In addition to Greek life, WKU offers a diverse range of clubs, service organisations, departmental groups, faith-based organisations, and honour societies. The university supports multicultural student organisations, such as the Black Leadership and Academic Conference (B.L.A.C.), which focuses on the personal, academic, and professional development of minority students. WKU also has a strong athletic presence, with the Hilltoppers (men's teams) and Lady Toppers (women's teams) competing in the NCAA Division I and the Conference USA (C-USA).
The university's student-led initiatives extend beyond campus, as evidenced by its academic and research agreement with the University of Akureyri (UNAK) and the Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network (IACN). This collaboration, known as the North Atlantic Climate Change Collaboration (NAC3), focuses on climate change, climate literacy, health and wellness, ocean dynamics, sustainability, and more. WKU students have numerous avenues to explore their interests, connect with their community, and make a positive impact during their time at the university.
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In 2022, 37% of students graduated within 4 years, 55% within 6 years, and 56% within 8 years
Western Kentucky University, a public university in the US state of Kentucky, has a total enrollment of approximately 17,000 students, offering a vibrant and diverse community for learners. Among this large student body, there is an important metric that demands attention: graduation rates. In 2022, WKU saw 37% of its students graduate within the traditional 4-year timeframe. This means that just over a third of the student population completed their undergraduate degrees efficiently and on time. However, this also indicates that a significant portion, roughly 63%, did not graduate within the expected 4 years.
Delving further into the data, we find that the graduation rate increases over time. Within 6 years, 55% of the student cohort had graduated. This suggests that an additional 18% of students needed the extra two years to fulfill their degree requirements. This extension could be attributed to various factors, such as changes in major, part-time study, or personal circumstances. Nonetheless, it highlights a common reality for many students, where the path to graduation may take longer than anticipated.
By the 8-year mark, the graduation rate only sees a slight increase, reaching 56%. This marginal change indicates that a large portion of students who needed more than 4 years to graduate were able to achieve their goal within the 6- to 8-year window. However, it also means that a substantial number of students, approximately 44%, did not complete their degrees even after an extended period. This could be due to a range of factors, including financial constraints, academic difficulties, or shifting life priorities.
These graduation rates provide valuable insights into the student experience at Western Kentucky University. They underscore the importance of support systems, academic guidance, and efficient degree planning. It is crucial for the university to analyze these rates and develop strategies to improve timely graduation while also supporting students who may need more time to complete their degrees.
The graduation rates also offer perspective for prospective students considering WKU. Understanding the graduation trends can help inform their expectations and planning. It underscores the value of proactive academic planning, timely decision-making, and, if needed, utilization of support services to enhance their chances of graduating on time.
In summary, while Western Kentucky University boasts a large student population, the graduation rates highlight the varied academic journeys that students undertake. The data underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of graduation metrics and the need for tailored support to enhance student success.
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The median undergraduate tuition is $11,112, with an average net price of $12,625 after financial aid
Western Kentucky University, also known as WKU, was founded in 1906 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,590 students as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution is 38.3% male students and 61.2% female students, with 36% living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 64% living off campus. The median undergraduate tuition is $11,112, with an average net price of $12,625 after financial aid. This is much lower than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities, which is $23,996.
The cost of tuition at WKU is an important consideration for prospective students. In 2022, the university had a median undergraduate tuition of $11,112, which is significantly lower than the national average. This number represents the median amount that students can expect to pay for their education at WKU. It's worth noting that the cost of tuition can vary depending on various factors, such as a student's residency status. For example, WKU's in-state tuition and fees are $11,436, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,000.
After taking grants and loans into account, the average net price for students at WKU is $12,625. This means that many students are receiving financial assistance to help cover the cost of their education. In fact, in 2022, 85% of undergraduate students at WKU received financial aid through grants or loans. This high percentage of students receiving aid demonstrates the university's commitment to making education accessible and affordable for its students.
The average net price of $12,625 is a useful metric for prospective students and their families when evaluating the affordability of WKU. It represents the average amount that students actually pay after accounting for financial aid, scholarships, and other cost-saving measures. This net price can vary depending on individual financial situations and the availability of aid, but it provides a good estimate for those considering WKU.
In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with attending WKU that students should consider. For example, the average yearly cost of room and board at WKU in 2022 was $10,708, and the cost of books and supplies was approximately $1,000. These additional expenses can impact a student's overall financial planning and should be factored into the total cost of attending the university.
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Frequently asked questions
As of fall 2023, Western Kentucky University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,590. The gender distribution is 38.3% male students and 61.2% female students.
In 2022, Western Kentucky University awarded 3,664 degrees to its students, with the most common Bachelor's Degree concentration being Registered Nursing (170 degrees awarded). The university also awarded 297 degrees in General Business Administration & Management, with 116 going to men and 102 to women.
While the exact class sizes at Western Kentucky University are not known, the university offers over 100 majors and pre-professional programs across five colleges, with over 50 online degree options. The Honors College at WKU serves over 1,300 active Honors students.











































