Western Kentucky University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive merit scholarships
- Regional tuition discounts and reciprocity programs
- Honors College benefits and key application deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~97%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 940–1130
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): ~3.0–3.8
Source: Western Kentucky University Common Data Set 2024–25 and College Board BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Western Kentucky University at a Glance
Western Kentucky University (WKU) is one of the South’s most scholarship-friendly public universities. Automatic Academic Merit Awards start at a 3.0 GPA, and the competitive Cherry Presidential Scholarship covers full tuition plus housing for the very top students.
With test-optional admissions, generous border-state tuition rates, and the Mahurin Honors College offering research and travel funding, WKU is a smart and affordable choice for high-achieving students from across the region.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Western Kentucky University is test-optional through 2026, and GPA alone can qualify students for automatic merit aid.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 18–25; SAT: 940–1130 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About ≈ $16,400/year after aid.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — WKU offers in-state tuition via the Border State Scholarship (Tuition Incentive Program) for residents of Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
University COA page – https://www.wku.edu/billing/coa.php
Financial Aid Cost Info – https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/costinfo/25-26coa.php
Tuition & Fees Schedule – https://www.wku.edu/billing/tuition_fees_2526.php
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157951-Western-Kentucky-University
College Board BigFuture – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/western-kentucky-university/tuition-and-costs
College Tuition Compare – https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/edu/157951/western-kentucky-university/admission/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Western Kentucky University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $12,072/year | $27,000/year |
| Housing & Meals (median on-campus) | $13,300/year | $13,300/year |
| Estimated Total Before Aid | ≈ $25,372/year | ≈ $40,300/year |
Figures reflect the 2025–2026 academic year and assume full-time enrollment (12–18 credits per semester). The totals above include only direct costs billed by WKU. Other estimated expenses—such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs—are not billed by the university and vary by student.
Regional Tuition Breaks:
- Border State Scholarship: Residents of any state bordering Kentucky (IN, IL, OH, WV, VA, TN, MO) qualify for in-state tuition.
- Tuition Incentive Program (TIP): Nonresidents with a 3.0 GPA or any WKU scholarship pay a capped tuition rate of $14,136/year.
- WKU Family Scholarship: Children or grandchildren of WKU alumni receive in-state tuition (not stackable with Border State or TIP).
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Students from SREB states can access in-state rates for approved majors if certified by their home state. See our guide to understanding ACM.
Who qualifies? Border State covers seven nearby states, TIP applies to nonresidents with a 3.0 GPA or any WKU scholarship, and ACM depends on your state and major.
How much can families save? Savings range from about $12,800 (TIP) to nearly $15,000 (Border State) per year compared to full out-of-state tuition.
Do you need to apply? Border State, TIP, and Family awards are automatic with admission by the December 31 deadline. ACM requires a separate application and state certification.
University COA page – https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/costinfo/25-26coa.php
Tuition & Fees Schedule – https://www.wku.edu/billing/tuition_fees_2526.php
Border State Scholarship – https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2425awards/2425border.php
College Scorecard – https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?157951-Western-Kentucky-University
NCES Net Price Data – https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Western+Kentucky+University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Merit (3.80–4.00 GPA + ACT 30+/SAT 1360+) — tier 1 | $7,500/yr | 3.80–4.00 unweighted GPA & 30+ ACT or 1360+ SAT | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | Top academic students, usually with strong extracurriculars | Dec 31 |
| Academic Merit (3.80–4.00 GPA) — tier 2 | $3,500/yr | 3.80–4.00 unweighted GPA (no test score required) | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | High GPA students, test score not required | Dec 31 |
| Academic Merit (3.50–3.79 GPA) — tier 3 | $2,500/yr | 3.50–3.79 unweighted GPA | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | Strong B+ and A- students | Dec 31 |
| Academic Merit (3.30–3.49 GPA) — tier 4 | $1,500/yr | 3.30–3.49 unweighted GPA | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | Solid B+ students | Dec 31 |
| Academic Merit (3.00–3.29 GPA) — tier 5 | $1,000/yr | 3.00–3.29 unweighted GPA | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | B students with solid coursework | Dec 31 |
| Border State Scholarship — supplemental 1 | Pays in-state tuition (≈$14,928/yr value) | Residents of TN, IN, OH, IL, WV, VA, MO; admitted by Dec 31 | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | Nonresidents from eligible states who meet the renewal GPA | Dec 31 |
| Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) — supplemental 2 | Caps tuition at $14,136/yr (≈$12,864/yr savings) | Nonresidents with 3.0+ GPA or any WKU scholarship; admitted by Dec 31 | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | Out-of-state students who qualify for merit or meet GPA cutoff | Dec 31 |
| WKU Family Scholarship — supplemental 3 | Pays in-state tuition | Nonresident children/grandchildren of WKU alumni; admitted by Dec 31 | No | Yes — 2.5 GPA, up to 8 semesters | Legacy families from out-of-state; cannot combine with TIP or Border State | Dec 31 |
| Gatton/Craft Academy Graduates Scholarship — supplemental 4 | Upgrade to higher academic merit level | Graduates of KY’s Gatton or Craft early college academies | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA | Academy graduates entering as freshmen | Dec 31 |
*Award amounts and GPA bands are based on the latest published institutional policy. Review official WKU sources for finalized award info.
Do you need to apply separately? No — all listed scholarships are automatic with WKU admission. Your completed application and transcript must be received by Dec 31 for maximum consideration.
Are test scores required? Only the top Academic Merit tier requires test scores. All other tiers require GPA only (no superscoring).
Can these stack? You may combine one supplemental award (Border State, TIP, or Family) with Academic Merit, but those three cannot be combined together.
Academic Merit Tiers – https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships.php
Border State Scholarship – https://www.wku.edu/admissions/scholarships.php
Tuition Incentive Program – https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships.php#tip
WKU Tuition & Fees – https://www.wku.edu/billing/tuition_fees_2526.php
Catalog – https://catalog.wku.edu/undergraduate/financial-assistance/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Some of WKU’s most generous scholarships aren’t automatic — they’re competitive. That means students need strong grades, test scores, leadership, and sometimes an interview to win. The flagship award here is the Cherry Presidential Scholarship, which covers a large portion of tuition for a small group of top applicants.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Presidential Scholarship | Up to $16,000/yr (≈$64,000 over 4 years) | 3.8+ unweighted GPA & ACT ≥30 or SAT ≥1360; full application/admission by Dec 1 (no superscoring) | Yes — invitation to Cherry Interview Day | Yes — 3.0 GPA, up to 8 semesters | High achievers with rigorous coursework, top scores, leadership/service, and outstanding interview performance | Dec 1 (admission & complete file); award notifications by Jan 30 |
What makes these scholarships competitive? They’re limited in number and require an extra step — like essays or an interview. For the Cherry Presidential, only a small pool of top applicants are invited to interview.
Are there deadlines? Yes — to be considered for Cherry Presidential, you must be admitted by December 1 with transcripts and test scores submitted. Interview invitations go out soon after, and awards are announced by January 30.
Can they stack with other aid? Yes — recipients may also receive merit or supplemental awards, but the total package is capped at the cost of attendance.
Who should apply? Students with near-perfect GPAs, top test scores, leadership roles, and community service who are comfortable in an interview setting.
Cherry Presidential Scholarship – https://www.wku.edu/admissions/scholarships.php
Official Scholarship Policy – https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships.php
WKU Cherry Scholarship Info – https://www.wku.edu/scholarships/cherry/
First-Time Freshman Scholarships – https://www.wku.edu/admissions/freshmen.php
🎖️ Honors College
The Mahurin Honors College (MHC) at WKU offers driven students the chance to dig deeper into academics, work closely with faculty, and access extra funding for research, creative projects, and study abroad. Admission is holistic and competitive: you apply after being admitted to WKU, and the process assesses rigor, leadership, writing, and potential—there are no fixed GPA or test cutoffs, but most admits have a GPA of 3.7+ and strong extracurriculars.
High school GPA around 3.7+*, strong writing/critical thinking, research or creative drive, and leadership in clubs or service. (*WKU does not post specific cutoffs; this is based on recent admit data.)
- Priority class registration
- Small, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship and thesis options
- Dedicated Honors residence halls
- Extra funding for research, conference travel, and study abroad (HDG, HTAG, Excellence Awards)
Note: The Cherry Presidential Scholarship is a university-wide competitive award (not Honors-specific), though many recipients participate in MHC.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalyst Cohort | Guaranteed funding for research or study abroad (amount varies) | First-gen, Pell-eligible, or minority freshmen in Honors; must complete Catalyst program requirements | Yes — separate application with Honors | Yes — must stay in Honors and meet program milestones | Incoming Honors students from underrepresented groups who complete cohort coursework | Currently paused for 2025-26 |
| Director’s Fund for Diversity in Honors | Varies (tuition, research, or enrichment) | Admitted or current Honors students who contribute to community or campus diversity | Yes — via TopDollar scholarship portal | Varies | Diverse, engaged Honors students with academic promise and need | Jan 1 (priority), varies by fund |
| Honors Development Grant (HDG) | Up to $500 | Current Honors student with research, creative project, or conference presentation | Yes — MHC grant application | No; new app each project | Active Honors students doing research or conferences | Rolling/semester rounds |
| Honors Travel Abroad Grant (HTAG) | Up to $500 per term / $1,000 per year | Honors student participating in approved study abroad | Yes — MHC application | No; apply each term | Honors students with accepted travel plan/course | Rolling/semester deadlines |
| CE/T Excellence Award | Up to $1,500 | Current Honors student with outstanding Capstone Experience/Thesis (CE/T) project | Yes — competitive MHC review | No | Top CE/T projects by Honors students, as judged by faculty | Spring competition |
| Lifetime Experience (LTE) Grant | Up to $3,000 per term | Current Honors student; major experiential project, internship, or study abroad | Yes — Office of Scholar Development | No | Honors students with significant research or travel proposals | Rolling application |
| Mahurin Honors College Opportunity Fund | Varies | Any Honors student with demonstrated need or enrichment plan | Yes — via TopDollar portal | No | Honors students who submit applications showing strong need/plan | Jan 1 (priority), varies by fund |
| Colonel Wilford D. Gower Endowed Fund | Varies | Honors students with financial need, preference for chemistry majors | Yes — TopDollar/departmental application | No | Honors students in chemistry, or with demonstrated need | Spring cycle (subject to funding) |
*Eligibility, award sizes, and cycles are based on WKU’s most recent Honors publications and departmental sites. Cohort admissions, amounts, and deadlines can change yearly. Double-check details on the MHC and TopDollar pages as you prepare your application.
Is admission automatic? No — you must apply to the Honors College after your WKU admission. Priority deadline: Dec 15; secondary: Mar 1; final: Jul 15.
Does Honors add time? No — you can finish in four years with Honors classes, and there are thesis/non-thesis pathways.
Are these extra scholarships? MHC grants provide $500–$3,000 for research, travel, and enrichment, but do not cover full tuition.
Mahurin Honors College – https://www.wku.edu/honors/
MHC Grants & Awards – https://www.wku.edu/honors/money/
Catalyst Cohort – https://www.wku.edu/honors/catalyst/
Director’s Fund for Diversity – https://wku.academicworks.com/
Honors Development Grant – https://wku.edu/honors/money/
Opportunity Fund – https://wku.academicworks.com/
Office of Scholar Development – https://www.wku.edu/osd/
TopDollar Scholarship Portal – https://www.wku.edu/topdollar/
Chemistry Endowed Fund – https://catalog.wku.edu/undergraduate/arts-letters/chemistry-biochemistry-bs/
⭐ College Specialty
Western Kentucky University may not carry the R1 research label, but it punches far above its weight in areas where students get hands-on experience and national recognition. Parents often hear about WKU because of its award-winning journalism, its powerhouse debate team, and programs that create real professional pipelines for graduates.
- Forensics (Speech & Debate): Multiple national championships at the National Forensic Association and other competitions; a consistent top-ranked team nationally.
- Meteorology / Applied Weather Program: Operates “White Squirrel Weather,” a campus-based forecasting and applied weather service that gives undergraduates unique real-world experience.
- Broadcasting & Film: Recognized in the state of Kentucky for producing award-winning student media projects; strong alumni placement in regional and national media outlets.
- Education & Teacher Training: Historically one of Kentucky’s top producers of certified teachers, with strong ties to school districts across the state.