Avg Earnings (5yr)
$38,156
Acceptance Rate
97%
Graduation Rate
53%
Annual Tuition
$11,436
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of Western Kentucky University earn a median of $43,889 ten years after entry — 19% below the national median. Acceptance rate 97.1%, average SAT score 971, in-state tuition $11,436.
At a Glance
Total Students
12,267
Retention Rate
78%
Faculty Ratio
18
Financial Aid
36%
Median Debt
$22,095
Campus Setting
City
Institution Type
Public
Admissions: SAT & ACT Scores
Average SAT Score
971
SAT Reading/Writing (middle 50%)
420–530
SAT Math (middle 50%)
420–520
ACT Composite (middle 50%)
16–21
Institution Overview
Western Kentucky University is a public institution with an acceptance rate of 97.1%. The university has a student population of 12,267. The retention rate is 78%, and the graduation rate is 52.5%. The median debt for students is $22,095, and 36.3% of students receive financial aid.
The in-state tuition at Western Kentucky University is $11,436. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $40,545. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $38,156, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $43,889.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$41k
1 YEAR
$38k
5 YEARS
$44k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
One year after graduation, Western Kentucky University alumni earn a median salary of $40,545. Five years after graduation, the median salary decreases to $38,156. However, ten years after graduation, the median salary increases to $43,889. The median debt for graduates is $22,095.
Western Kentucky University has a student population of 12,267. The university has a high acceptance rate of 97.1% and a graduation rate of 52.5%. The retention rate is 78%. The in-state tuition is $11,436, and 36.3% of students receive financial aid.
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