Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Climb With Us
Western Kentucky University (WKU), home of the Hilltoppers, is a place of beauty and friendliness. WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a city with a population of more than 60,000 that’s approximately 110 miles south of Louisville, Kentucky, and 65 miles north of Nashville, Tennessee.
Applying to Western Kentucky University is the first step in building your future—exceptional academic programs, applied learning opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-renowned faculty are all part of what makes the WKU experience unparalleled in American higher education. Programs are offered through the College of Education & Behavioral Sciences; Gordon Ford College of Business; Ogden College of Science & Engineering; College of Health & Human Services; and Potter College of Arts & Letters.
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’re dedicated to making sure you achieve your goals and develop the skills needed for success. You’ll graduate with not only a degree but with real-world experience that makes you stand out above the rest.
We call our students Hilltoppers because WKU students are ready to climb higher, thrive, and promote innovation in Kentucky and across the globe. We’re committed to supporting students from all backgrounds in their pursuit of an affordable college degree. Learn more about the educational experience WKU can offer you at wku.edu/academics.
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Ranked #1 among “Best Online Colleges” in Kentucky | Value Colleges, 2020 |
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Ranked #21 among “Best Online Colleges” | EDsmart |
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Ranked #20 among “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” | U.S. News & World Report |
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Ranked #15 among “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans” | U.S. News & World Report |
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One of only four campuses in the nation designated as a “Safe Community” | National Safety Council |
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Bowling Green named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” | Livability.com |
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Bowling Green recognized as one of the “50 Nicest Places in America” | Reader's Digest |
Western Kentucky University strives to provide access and opportunity for all students. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive scholarship program for incoming first-time freshmen.
The Hilltopper guarantee
WKU guarantees 100% tuition coverage for any first-time freshman from Kentucky who receives Pell Grant assistance and has at least a 3.0 unweighted high school GPA.
WKU Border State Scholarship
Full-time, first-time freshmen who are residents of any state that borders Kentucky can attend WKU at the in-state tuition rate. This scholarship lowers tuition costs by nearly 60% for most students, and students can still stack on other institutional scholarships to further reduce their costs.
For additional scholarship opportunities, visit wku.edu/scholarship.
“To me, the Hilltopper Spirit is twofold: It’s the pride of who you are and what you have achieved, and it’s also a mindset to keep on climbing until you reach your goal.”
“Since I was little, I’ve seen myself as someone who would go on to do something extraordinary. I couldn’t be more thankful for such an opportunity that would only be available to me at WKU.”
“The qualities of WKU that define our character are diversity, passion, vision, and a sense of community. That spirit is the driving force behind the success of every student, staff member, and faculty member and is what makes WKU so great!”