Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University is a public institution in Bowling Green, Kentucky with 12,267 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $11,436 compared with a Kentucky nursing-school average of $15,942. The school reports a graduation rate of 53.7%, median earnings of $43,889, and median federal debt of $22,095.
$11,436 is lower than the state average of $15,942.
53.7% is higher than the state average of 48.5%.
$43,889 is higher than the state average of $39,372.
About Western Kentucky University
| Location | Bowling Green, Kentucky |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.wku.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $11,436 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $27,000 |
| Total Enrollment | 12,267 |
| Acceptance Rate | 97.0% |
| Graduation Rate | 53.7% |
| Retention Rate | 78.0% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $43,889 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,095 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $234 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 28.7% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 36.3% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
28.7% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 36.3% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Western Kentucky University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $45,744, while the reported median debt is $22,095 with an estimated monthly payment of $234. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (75.2%), followed by Black students (8.8%) and Hispanic students (6.0%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($43,889) divided by median debt ($22,095)