Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

12,267

Total Students

$11K

Tuition (In-State)

$27K

Tuition (Out-State)

$11K

Avg Net Price

97%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Graduation Rate

6-year

78%

Retention Rate

Doctoral/Professional Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University: Ascending The Hill with a Rich History of Growth and Transformation.

Step onto the historic 'Hill' and discover Western Kentucky University, an institution with a compelling story of evolution and growth. What began as the privately owned Glasgow Normal School and Business College in 1876, eventually moved to Bowling Green and, under the visionary leadership of Henry Hardin Cherry, became the state-created Western Kentucky State Normal School in 1906. This transformation laid the groundwork for the dynamic university it is today.

WKU's journey is marked by a series of strategic mergers and expansions, including the acquisition of Potter College, a merger with Ogden College, and later, the Bowling Green College of Commerce. Each step added layers to its academic offerings and solidified its presence in the region. The institution's authority to grant four-year degrees in 1922 and Master of Arts degrees in 1931 were pivotal moments, underscoring its commitment to comprehensive higher education.

Finally achieving university status in 1966, Western Kentucky University stands as a testament to persistent dedication to academic excellence and community engagement. While affectionately known as "Western" for many years, today it proudly operates as WKU, inviting students to become part of its storied legacy and future innovations. Join a community built on a foundation of resilience and academic ambition, nestled in the heart of Kentucky.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1876 as the privately owned Glasgow Normal School and Business College.
✦Officially established by the state as Western Kentucky State Normal School in 1906 under Henry Hardin Cherry.
✦Authorized to grant four-year degrees in 1922, expanding its academic scope.
✦Began offering Master of Arts degrees in 1931, furthering graduate education.
✦Underwent significant mergers with Ogden College (1927) and Bowling Green College of Commerce (1963).
✦Achieved comprehensive university status, becoming Western Kentucky University, in 1966.
✦Led by 10 presidents since its formation, with Timothy C. Caboni serving as the current president since 2017.

Timeline

1876

Founding of the privately owned Glasgow Normal School and Business College.

1884

Moved to Bowling Green, becoming the Southern Normal School and Business College.

1906

Henry Hardin Cherry became president of the state-created Western Kentucky State Normal School; classes began.

1909

Western bought the buildings and property of Potter College.

1911

Western relocated to its present site on the former Potter College property.

1922

Authorized to grant four-year degrees; renamed Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College.

1927

Merged with Ogden College, which occupied an adjacent campus.

1931

Authorized to offer the Master of Arts degree.

1963

Merged with the Bowling Green College of Commerce; institution divided into separate colleges.

1966

Western Kentucky State College became Western Kentucky University.

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Western Kentucky University

🏫

Bowling Green College of Commerce

Maintained its identity as a constituent college after merging with WKSC in 1963.

🎓

The Graduate School

Became a constituent college after the 1963 merger of WKSC and Bowling Green College of Commerce.

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