Welcome Veterans and Military Students!

Thank you for your service! 

We are proud that you have chosen Western Kentucky University!  It is an honor to serve you as you pursue your educational goals.

WKU has been ranked #16 of the top 20 four year colleges in the nation  by Military Times Edge Magazine, and has been designated as a Military Friendly School every year since 2009 by G.I. Jobs Magazine.  

WKU is committed to serving you!

WKU is a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)
Consortium and the SOC Degree Network System.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium

The SOC Consortium consists of colleges and universities committed to expanding and improving voluntary postsecondary educational opportunities for servicemembers worldwide. SOC Consortium members subscribe to principles and criteria to ensure that quality academic programs are available to active-duty military students, their family members, and veterans. A list of current SOC Consortium member institutions can be
found on the SOC Web site at http://www.soc.aascu.org/.

SOC Degree Network System Membership

WKU is a member of the SOC Degree Network System, a subgroup of SOC
Consortium member institutions selected by the military Services to deliver specific associate and bachelor's degree programs to servicemembers and their families. As a member of the DNS, we have agreed to adhere to academic policies intended to support military students in their academic endeavors towards degree completion. 

WKU offers:

• Course credit for military experience and training. Be sure to identify as a Veteran on the admissions application so your AARTS, SMART, or Air Force transcripts are evaluated upon entry at WKU.  If you are already a student at WKU and would like to ensure your transcripts were evaluated, contact bea.cobb@wku.edu for assistance.

• A dedicated Military Programs Counselor who specializes in assisting Active Duty service members. bea.cobb@wku.edu.
• A Special Tuition rate for Active Duty service members:  $250 per credit hour to all Active Duty service members from all branches, Reserves, and National Guard.  View more...

• A military listserv to notify you of special events, discounts, scholarships, and news.Sign up here: http://lists.wku.edu/mailman/listinfo/wku-military

• A Student Veterans Alliance http://www.wku.edu/sva/

• The only Veterans Upward Bound program in the state of Kentucky: http://www.wku.edu/vub/
• A Vet-2-Vet Peer Mentorship Program for new incoming veterans.
• A Textbooks for Troops program for military students who do not receive a book stipend.  Check out a textbook for an entire semester, then return it for another student to use.  Once the book is no longer being used in class, we donate it to a charity who sends the book overseas where it will be used in the classroom.  It's the ultimate recycling program! Click here for more information.
• A Veterans Affairs office for processing Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) educational benefits located in Potter Hall 317:  va.questions@wku.edu
• Recognition Cords for Military and Veterans graduating from WKU.  Faculty/Staff military veterans participating in the graduation ceremonies are also eligible to wear these beautiful red, white, and blue honor cords.  Stop by TPH 207 to learn more.

• An Acquired Brain Injury Resource Program dedicated to helping those with traumatic brain injury to stay in school, be successful in the classroom, and to offer information about recovery from brain injury. The program has received special funding to help veterans of the Gulf War who have suffered head injuries and who are interested in taking on-line courses through WKU or any other university. Assistance is available to help purchase computer equipment, internet services and techni cal support for those who qualify. For more information contact Dr. Richard Dressler at (270) 745-2520, or email him at: richard.dressler@wku.edu.
• Wounded Warrior therapy programs:  Interacting with horses has proven to be beneficial in healing both emotionally and physically.
  
  • Wild Rose Therapeutic in Elizabethtown, KY is now offering free Horseback riding lessons to disabled veterans.  Contact Dawn Santee 270 735-9810 wildroseww@yahoo.com or visit www.WildRoseKy.com.
  • We have just partnered with New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding (NBTR) in Bowling Green, KY to provide free riding sessions to eligible veterans.  To sign up for this program contact: tonya.archey@wku.edu