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Western Kentucky University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as WKU
Western Kentucky University accepts 94% of applicants. It is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with about 12,155 undergraduates. The sticker price is $25,152 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $11,789.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for WKU?
Most Kentucky residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 2.9 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Western Kentucky University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 945, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Kentucky resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 71% Target | 42% Target |
| 2.7 | 71% Target | 43% Target |
| 3.0 | 86% Likely | 65% Target |
| 3.3 | 94% Likely | 83% Likely |
| 3.5 | 97% Likely | 90% Likely |
| 3.7 | 97% Likely | 94% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 97% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 97% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Western Kentucky University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $25,152 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $8,400 | $21,100 |
| $50k – $100k | $8,400 | $21,100 |
| $100k – $150k | $13,900 | $26,600 |
| $150k – $250k | $20,500 | $33,200 |
| Over $250k | $22,400 | $35,100 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Western Kentucky University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University admits 94% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Western Kentucky University?
Most Kentucky residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 2.9 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Western Kentucky University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 840–1050 on the SAT and 16–21 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Western Kentucky University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $25,152 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $11,789 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $8,400 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at Western Kentucky University?
56% of students finish their degree, and 78% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Western Kentucky University
- University of KentuckyLexington, KY · admits 93%
- Sacramento StateSacramento, CA · admits 94%
- University of KansasLawrence, KS · admits 93%
- Cal State NorthridgeNorthridge, CA · admits 93%
- North Dakota State UniversityFargo, ND · admits 95%
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA · admits 93%