Western Kentucky University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Western Kentucky University is a public university with an acceptance rate of 97%. Established in 1906 as a teaching college, WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. On the academic front, Elementary Education, Nursing, and Business are the among the most popular fields of study. The university offers 93 undergraduate majors and 77 minors, and has an 18-to-1 student / faculty ratio. In athletics, the WKU Hilltoppers compete in the NCAA Division I Conference USA (C-USA).

Considering applying to Western Kentucky University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Western Kentucky University had an acceptance rate of 97%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 97 students were admitted, making Western Kentucky's admissions process less competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Western Kentucky University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 11% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Western Kentucky University's admitted students fall within the bottom 29% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to WKU scored between 500 and 620, while 25% scored below 500 and 25% scored above 620. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 490 and 600, while 25% scored below 490 and 25% scored above 600. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1220 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Western Kentucky University.

Requirements

Western Kentucky University does not require the SAT writing section or SAT Subject tests. Note that WKU considers your highest composite score from a single sitting of the SAT.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Western Kentucky University requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 95% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Western Kentucky's admitted students fall within the bottom 46% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to WKU received a composite ACT score between 19 and 27, while 25% scored above 27 and 25% scored below 19.

Requirements

Note that Western Kentucky University does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. WKU does not require the ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA of Western Kentucky University's incoming freshmen class was 3.42, and over 50% of incoming students had average GPAs of 3.5 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Western Kentucky University have primarily high B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Western Kentucky University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Western Kentucky University, which accepts nearly all applicants, has a less selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's required minimums, you have a strong chance of being accepted. WKU adheres to the Kentucky Department of Education requirements which include academic achievement in rigorous coursework. Potential applicants should have a minimum of four units of English; four units of math; three units of natural science; three units of social science; one unit of health and physical education; and 5 elective units. Grades and test scores are the most important part of a WKU application. The WKU admissions calculator is used the determine if a student qualifies for guaranteed admission. Students with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 and a Composite Admission Index score of 60 are guaranteed admission. Students who do not meet the requirements for guaranteed admission may be admitted to the WKU Summer Scholars Program.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent students who were admitted to Western Kentucky University. Most had SAT (ERW+M) scores of 850 or higher, an ACT composite of 15 or higher, and a high school average of a "B-" or better. The majority of applicants were above these lower ranges, and higher grades and test scores can mean guaranteed admission.

If You Like Western Kentucky University, You May Also Like These Schools

• University of Kentucky
• Berea College
• Vanderbilt University
• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee
• Belmont University

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Western Kentucky University Undergraduate Admissions Office.