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Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Visit Website

Western Kentucky University's main campus is situated on a hill, providing views of the Barren River valley. Students enjoy a spirited atmosphere with a focus on community involvement. The university is known for its journalism and broadcasting programs, offering students hands-on experience through its student-run newspaper and television station. WKU also maintains regional campuses throughout Kentucky, extending its reach across the state.

Programs Analyzed

Avg Grad Earnings

$40,390/yr

Avg DegreeOutlook Score

47/100

Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$11,436/yr

Out-of-state: $27,000/yr

Financial Aid & Net Price

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, by family income. 29% of students receive Pell Grants and 36% take federal loans.

Family Income	Avg Net Price/yr	4-Year Net Cost	Net-Price ROI
$0 – $30K	$10,075	$40,300	10.0x
$30K – $48K	$16,624	$66,496	6.1x
$48K – $75K	$17,417	$69,668	5.8x
$75K – $110K	$18,219	$72,876	5.5x
$110K+	$18,601	$74,404	5.4x
Sticker price (no aid)	$11,436	$45,744	8.8x

Net price = tuition + fees + room & board minus grants and scholarships. ROI = average 10-year graduate earnings ÷ 4-year net cost. Source: IPEDS Student Financial Aid survey via College Scorecard.

All Programs at Western Kentucky University

45 degree programs ranked by DegreeOutlook Score. Click any program for full AI scenario analysis and 10-year earnings projections.

Program	DW Score	Earnings	AI Risk	ROI
Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration Compare across schools	82	$68,294/yr	High	15.5x
Accounting and Related Services Compare across schools	75	$50,104/yr	Very High	14.7x
Electrical Compare across schools	73	$74,205/yr	Very High	19.0x
Computer and Information Sciences, General Compare across schools	71	$48,863/yr	Very High	12.7x
Mechanical Engineering Compare across schools	70	$70,722/yr	Very High	15.9x
Finance and Financial Management Services Compare across schools	70	$44,355/yr	Very High	13.6x
Construction Engineering Technologies Compare across schools	67	$63,013/yr	Very High	18.6x
Civil Engineering Compare across schools	66	$60,086/yr	High	14.2x
Economics Compare across schools	64	$53,857/yr	Very High	10.9x
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Compare across schools	64	$49,823/yr	Very High	9.9x
Industrial Production Technologies Compare across schools	63	$60,675/yr	Moderate	14.9x
Business Administration Compare across schools	63	$44,498/yr	High	11.2x
Management Information Systems and Services Compare across schools	61	$64,252/yr	Very High	12.2x
Health and Medical Administrative Services Compare across schools	61	$44,516/yr	High	10.3x
Marketing Compare across schools	57	$42,478/yr	Very High	11.8x
Architectural Sciences and Technology Compare across schools	54	$46,919/yr	High	12.3x
Social Sciences, General Compare across schools	49	$38,659/yr	High	9.2x
Dental Support Services Compare across schools	46	$47,974/yr	Moderate	8.4x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	45	$37,288/yr	High	7.9x
Teacher Education Compare across schools	45	$36,830/yr	High	8.0x
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences Compare across schools	44	$42,045/yr	High	11.1x
Public Relations & Advertising Compare across schools	43	$35,534/yr	High	9.7x
Parks Compare across schools	43	$32,267/yr	Moderate	7.9x
Biology, General Compare across schools	40	$29,945/yr	High	11.6x
Hospitality Administration/Management Compare across schools	40	$29,492/yr	High	8.7x
Apparel and Textiles Compare across schools	39	$36,635/yr	High	7.7x
Political Science and Government Compare across schools	38	$23,294/yr	Very High	10.6x
Criminology Compare across schools	37	$32,370/yr	High	6.1x
Special Education and Teaching Compare across schools	36	$38,807/yr	High	7.5x
Music Compare across schools	36	$34,766/yr	High	8.6x
Communication and Media Studies Compare across schools	35	$33,955/yr	High	9.0x
Health and Physical Education/Fitness Compare across schools	35	$25,858/yr	Moderate	9.7x
Social Work Compare across schools	34	$34,748/yr	Moderate	7.9x
Sociology Compare across schools	34	$32,762/yr	High	8.0x
History Compare across schools	34	$27,177/yr	High	8.7x
Agriculture, General Compare across schools	33	$38,804/yr	High	8.8x
Journalism Compare across schools	32	$35,050/yr	Very High	8.5x
Fine and Studio Arts Compare across schools	29	$28,291/yr	Moderate	6.5x
Psychology, General Compare across schools	29	$25,936/yr	High	8.0x
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Compare across schools	29	$21,377/yr	High	7.9x
Liberal Arts and Sciences Compare across schools	28	$35,746/yr	Low	7.8x
Anthropology Compare across schools	26	$19,495/yr	High	7.9x
English Language and Literature, General Compare across schools	25	$27,950/yr	Very High	7.4x
Romance Languages & Literatures Compare across schools	25	$24,967/yr	Very High	8.1x
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Compare across schools	25	$22,884/yr	Moderate	4.0x

Compare any program at Western Kentucky University with another school. Use the comparison tool →

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →