Buildings located at the top of the hill at Western Kentucky University from a drone perspective

Climb With Us

Exceptional academic programs, applied learning opportunities, and world-renowned faculty are only part of what makes the WKU experience unparalleled. Your hopes, dreams and ideas are important to us. We strive to provide you with an environment where creativity is nurtured and intellect grows. WKU is a student centered, applied research university. That means we are dedicated to making sure you achieve your goals and graduate with skills for success. You will not only graduate with a diploma, you will enter the real world with experience that makes you stand out above the rest.

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Tori Minteer, WKU Graduate Student from Louisville, KY

“I would not be where I am today if not for the academic and social experiences I’ve had at WKU. When I first saw the campus, I knew this is where I needed to be, and I can’t imagine going anywhere else.”

Tori Minteer, WKU Graduate Student from Louisville, KY

Bowling Green, KY

Located in the heart of Kentucky's third-largest city, our hilltop campus is a place of beauty and friendliness. Whether you're looking to explore the natural world, walk to a restaurant downtown, or catch a sporting event, Bowling Green has a variety of attractions for WKU students and their families to enjoy. Additionally, Bowling Green is located approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville, making it easy to travel to other regional destinations.

In addition to the campus in Bowling Green, WKU’s Regional Campuses in Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox, Glasgow, Owensboro, and Somerset bring our academic programs, continuing education and professional development programs to you.

Learn More Regional Campuses
Harley Chestnut, WKU Senior from Fernandina Beach, FL

“I chose social work because I wanted to help people. Social work is an amazing degree because you aren’t limited to what field you can work in. You can do therapy, CPS, APS, Hospice, Hospital, Military, and so many more incredible options.”

Harley Chestnut, WKU Senior from Fernandina Beach, FL

WKU by the Numbers

23.7
Average Class Size

16,759K+
Total Enrollment

Top 7
Cities on the Rise
by Southern Living

200+
Academic Programs

99%
Freshmen Receiving Scholarship Aid

1 in 4
Campuses in the World Named a Safe Community

Rewarding Hard Work
and Increasing Access

Most of WKU’s merit scholarships are based on high school GPA instead of standardized test scores. Explore the many scholarship opportunities available to you at WKU.

Scholarships
Bosco Tuyisenge, WKU Senior from Bowling Green, KY

Intangarugero mu Mwigire no mu Gufasha Kominote means academics, leadership, and community service in my family’s native language, Kinyarwanda. That’s why I came to WKU. No other school compared to WKU in both quality and value. My time on The Hill has provided me with an incredible business education and allowed me to fulfill my passion of influencing the next generation through a lot of community work and volunteerism.”

Bosco Tuyisenge, WKU Senior from Bowling Green, KY
 Last Modified 3/7/24