Western Kentucky University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Western Kentucky admits most applicants, so your strategy should be to show you are ready to thrive once you arrive. Since 78% of applicants submit ACT scores, aiming for the upper half of the middle range, about a 22 to 25, gives you a clear benchmark alongside a GPA near 3.5.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Western Kentucky University facts and stats
Western Kentucky University enrolls about 14,151 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Western Kentucky has a 78% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 58%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18.5:1.
Bowling Green, KY
How do your scores compare at Western Kentucky?
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Key Western Kentucky University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
February 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Western Kentucky is test-optional, use this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes. With the August 1 Regular Decision deadline, even a December test should leave plenty of time for scores to arrive.
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What you'll actually pay
At Western Kentucky, a Conference USA public university, in-state tuition is $11,652 and out-of-state tuition is $27,000. About 43% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $6,263. Submit the FAFSA by the February 15 priority deadline.
Out-of-state tuition at Western Kentucky University is $27,000, compared with in-state tuition of $11,652, before $12,582 for room and board. Financial aid can significantly change the bill: 43% of students receive aid, with an average package of $18,477. Merit awards average $6,263. Graduates leave with an average debt of $23,332 for context.
Student life at Western Kentucky University
35% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 18% of men join fraternities, and 17% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Alice Lloyd College
Pippa Passes, KYAcceptance rate: 75.2%
SAT: 710–960
ACT: 16–22
Asbury University
Wilmore, KYAcceptance rate: 95.4%
SAT: 1040–1270
ACT: 20–27
Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland, KYAcceptance rate: 64.1%
Bellarmine University
Louisville, KYAcceptance rate: 86.1%
SAT: 1030–1225
ACT: 19–26
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