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Colleges / KY / Bowling Green
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Western Kentucky University

Public Bowling Green, KY · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
55%
Graduation Rate
$43,889
Earnings (10yr)
$10,990
Net Price
94%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

With an acceptance rate of 94%, Western Kentucky University is a welcoming option for many students looking to further their education. It's particularly suited for those interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Education, Social Sciences, and Communications. The emphasis on these programs means that students can expect a curriculum focused on practical skills and real-world application, which often resonates well with aspiring professionals.

Looking at what happens after graduation, the average earnings for alumni a decade out stand at $43,889. This figure gives us a glimpse into the potential financial outcomes for graduates. While the graduation rate is 55%, it suggests that many students do find their stride and navigate their careers successfully. Affordability is also a key factor, with a net price of $10,990 after aid, making it a reasonable investment in education for many families.

On the practical side, the median debt for graduates is $22,095, which is manageable in the context of average earnings. This financial outlook is crucial as students weigh their options. Those who tend to thrive here often value a supportive community and are motivated to engage in their studies, seeking both academic and personal growth during their time at WKU.

Rankings

How Western Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation55%Earnings 10yr$44KNet Price$11KRetention78%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate30%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$7K$0-30K$7K$30-48K$10K$48-75K$18K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1033.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1361.1%MOBILITY140.71%

Cost & Financial Aid

$11,652
In-State Tuition
$27,000
Out-of-State
$10,990
Avg Net Price
$22,095
Median Debt
30%
Pell Grant Rate
35%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$7,087
Family Income $0–$30K
$6,871
Family Income $30K–$48K
$9,765
Family Income $48K–$75K
$17,653
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$38,156
6 Years After Entry
$40,920
8 Years
$43,889
10 Years
0.5x
Debt-to-Earnings
55%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$38,156 6yr $40,920 8yr $43,889 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

140.71%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1361.1%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1033.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$76,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.49
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.4%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 94%
Retention Rate 78%
SAT Average 971
SAT Range 840–1050
ACT Range 16–21
Full-Time Faculty 67%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,169
Diversity Index 0.43
First-Gen Students 36%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 19%
Health Professions 15%
Education 7%
Social Sciences 6%
Communications 6%
Humanities 6%
Psychology 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%