by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual’s Best for the Money Rankings compare the quality of a WKU degree with its cost to decide whether the school is asking a fair price. Here is how WKU measures up.
WKU is ranked #888 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Kentucky, it ranks #24 of 50 for value.
Among the majors WKU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Photojournalism | #1 of 8 |
| Architectural Technology/Technician | #2 of 6 |
| Sports Studies | #2 of 45 |
| Other Dramatic/Theatre Arts & Stagecraft | #3 of 30 |
| Communications / Public Relations | #4 of 39 |
| General Organizational Communication | #4 of 39 |
| Broadcast Journalism | #5 of 28 |
| Athletic Training | #6 of 50 |
| Other Music | #6 of 78 |
| Economics | #7 of 89 |
Read the full WKU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Western Kentucky University is ranked #16 out of #54 in Kentucky for quality and #24 out of #50 for Kentucky value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the WKU financial aid page to be sure.
Western Kentucky University is ranked #888 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Western Kentucky University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at WKU costs about $12,435. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $49,738 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $24,122 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $10,990 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $12,435 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,738 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the WKU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a WKU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $96,488 | — | — |
| All Students | $49,738 | #888 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $43,960 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $96,488 | — | — |
| All Students | $49,738 | #24 | D+ |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $43,960 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at WKU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $10,075 |
| $30K–$48K | $16,624 |
| $48K–$75K | $17,417 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,219 |
| Over $110K | $18,601 |
About 89% of WKU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,681 per year. Get more details on the WKU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual determines value by weighing a school’s average total cost against its educational quality, then comparing it to other schools in the same quality tier. See the WKU net price page for the cost detail.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.