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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Avery Wells, WKU Senior from Louisville, KY

“Having the opportunity to be a part of several different communities at WKU has strengthened my personal and professional development. In the process of working with several communities, I’ve learned how to put myself in other people’s shoes and understand the experience and perspective of others. The ability to see and understand the perspective of others is one of the strongest skills I’ve gained as a college student.”

Avery Wells, WKU Senior 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

22.7
Average Class Size

16,493K+
Total Enrollment

Top 15
Cities on the Rise
by Southern Living

200+
Academic Programs

93%
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
Jada Scott, WKU Junior from Nicholasville, KY

“WKU’s scholarship program offers merit scholarships based on GPA, so I was able to receive scholarship offers just by applying to the university. I also loved the TOPDollar scholarship application which allowed me to search and apply for additional WKU scholarships. The TOPDollar scholarship portal is how I found the Rosella Isbell Scholarship! For me, this was the scholarship that helped me decide to attend WKU.”

Jada Scott, WKU Junior from Nicholasville, KY
 Last Modified 11/8/23