Admissions
About WKU
Exceptional academic programs and world-renowned faculty are only part of what makes the WKU experience unparalleled in American higher education. Our state-of-the-art facilities, commitment to student success, and highly engaged campus community demonstrate what we call the Spirit of WKU. Your hopes, dreams, and ideas are important to us. We constantly seek to provide an environment where creativity is nurtured and intellect grows. Climb with us at Western Kentucky University.
We call our students Hilltoppers, because WKU students are ready to climb higher, to thrive, and to promote innovation here in Kentucky and across the globe. We are committed to supporting students from all backgrounds in their pursuit of an affordable degree. Learn more about the educational experience WKU can offer you.
We want you to be part of the Hilltopper family! Complete the application today.
Learn more about joining the Hilltopper family.
Admission Timeline
Sign up for a campus tour and discover the WKU spirit for yourself.
Plan Your Tour
WKU's tuition costs are below the national average. Use this guide to start planning your education.
Why Apply to Western Kentucky University?
All students have their own reasons for joining our community. From award-winning academic programs to exciting sporting events to our abundance of extracurricular activities, Western Kentucky University has an opportunity for everyone.
We are proud to offer more than 170 undergraduate academic options for WKU students including majors, minors, and pre-professional tracks. Our Journalism and Broadcasting, Education, Engineering, and Business programs are all nationally ranked. In addition to their major, students complete
the Colonnade Program. This innovative general education sequence promotes critical,
creative, and global thinking to support students’ personal and career development.
Our application is completely online and easy to fill out. We will also need your transcripts, test scores, and a $50 application fee. Essays and letters of recommendation are not required to apply to WKU.
I Want to Learn More about WKU!
Interested in learning more about WKU? Get more information and receive invitations to events happening near you!
Attend an Event
Get a first-hand look at WKU’s outstanding academic offerings, student activities, and beautiful campus.
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These informational events allow you to connect with WKU in a city near you and learn more about the opportunities that await you on The Hill.
Learn More
Sign up for a campus tour and see for yourself why WKU has been ranked as one of the most beautiful campuses in the south.
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Freshman Application Process
Below is an overview of important steps in the Western Kentucky University application process. View the Admissions Timeline and WKU’s Financial Aid page for detailed information.
Before your senior year:
- Make sure your high school coursework is aligned with our admissions requirements. If you are an in-state applicant, this would be the KY minimum high school graduation requirements. WKU recommends that all applicants complete the most challenging curriculum available to them necessary for academic success. Two credits of a single world language is highly recommended although admission to WKU may still be granted without the completion of two credits of a single world language.
August-October of your senior year:
- Take a campus tour and meet with college representatives.
- Prepare to complete the FAFSA application as well as scholarship applications.
- Apply to WKU! Our online application takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and has a $50 application fee.
November
- Strive to finish your WKU application by November 15th, especially if you are interested in the Mahurin Honors College or the Cherry Presidential Scholarship.
December
- Don’t’ forget the December 31st priority deadline to apply for academic scholarships.
There are many routes to becoming a WKU student and the Admissions Office is here to guide you. We invite you to visit our campus, both in-person and virtually. We have also prepared many guides for both prospective and admitted students including detailed application instructions, committing to WKU, financial aid and affordability, internal scholarships, or applying as a non-traditional student.
The WKU Admissions Office is available to help you every step of the way and can be contacted via phone, text, email, or online chat. Our main phone number is 270-745-2551 or try our live chat from 8am-4:30pm Central Time.
Apply to WKU!
We’re thrilled that you want to become part of the Western Kentucky University community of Hilltoppers. Take the next step to learn more about being a student at WKU.
Apply Now Visit WKU Learn More
Average Class Size
Total Enrollment
Cities in the U.S.
Academic Programs
Freshmen Receiving Scholarship Aid
Campuses in the World Named a Safe Community
Home on The Hill
Our residence halls are more than just a place to live. At WKU, you’ll be part of a community! Explore your options and fill out the Housing application.
Housing at WKU
Plan Ahead
It’s never too soon to start planning for college. Check out this timeline that we’ve created to see what you can do right now to get ready to earn your college degree at WKU.
Admissions Timeline
Topper Orientation Program
TOP is an important step in your Hilltopper journey. During TOP, you’ll interact with current students and classmates, meet with an advisor and choose your class schedule, and receive your WKU Student ID. Click the button below to select your TOP date.
Sign up for TOP
A safe place to call home
You’re not just choosing a college; you’re choosing a home. WKU is one of only four college campuses to receive the Safe Community designation from the National Safety Council. You can rest easy knowing that we’re continually working to ensure you’ll be able to focus on classes and college life uninhibited by safety concerns.
Learn More
Connect with your WKU Admissions Counselor
The college search and application process can seem overwhelming, but your WKU admissions counselor is here to help. Connect with your admissions counselor, and let us know if you have any questions.
Find Your Counselor
Mission of the Office of Admissions
The mission of the Office of Admissions is to recruit and admit a diverse and academically talented group of students to WKU. The Office strives to meet and adapt to students' needs efficiently and effectively to best facilitate each student's transition into higher education.
Office of Admissions Equal Opportunity Statement
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs and employment. The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or marital status.
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