Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

Total Enrollment

16,759

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

271

271 programs

Full-Time Students

11,330

3,260 part-time

Total FTE

13,270

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

546

Certificate Graduates

Short-term specialized training

4154

Total Recent Graduates

With 16,759 students, Western Kentucky University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 271 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 11,330 (77.7%)

77.7%

Part-Time Students 3,260 (22.3%)

22.3%

Total Students 14,590

Predominantly full-time students (77.7%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

A majority of students (67.6%) attend full-time, with a significant part-time population balancing work and studies.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

62.1%

10,409 students

Men

37.9%

6,350 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

75.5%

12,647 students

White

75.5% (12,647)

Black/African American

8.4% (1,409)

Hispanic/Latino

5.8% (975)

Two or More Races

3.9% (660)

Asian

3.4% (562)

International Students

0.9% (148)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.3% (47)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.1% (23)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Predominantly female (62%) across 16,759 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 75% of the student body (12,647 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics. Women make up 62% of students.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

14,590 students

38% Men, 62% Women

11,330 Full-time 3,260 Part-time

Diversity Index: 42% • Minority Students: 18%

Graduate students

2,169 students

34% Men, 66% Women

744 Full-time 1,425 Part-time

Diversity Index: 39% • Minority Students: 16%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

12,074

All full-time students

4,645 men, 7,429 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Undergraduate

11,330

Full-time undergraduate

4,429 men, 6,901 women

Diversity: 42%

FT Degree-Seeking

11,120

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

4,327 men, 6,793 women

Diversity: 42%

FT First-Time

2,796

Full-time first-time students

1,079 men, 1,717 women

Diversity: 44%

FT Continuing

8,324

Full-time continuing students

3,248 men, 5,076 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Transfer

616

Full-time transfer students

271 men, 345 women

Diversity: 43%

FT Continuing

7,708

Full-time other continuing

2,977 men, 4,731 women

Diversity: 41%

FT Non-Degree

210

Full-time non-degree seeking

102 men, 108 women

Diversity: 48%

FT Graduate

744

Full-time graduate students

216 men, 528 women

Diversity: 44%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

4,685

All part-time students

1,705 men, 2,980 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Undergraduate

3,260

Part-time undergraduate

1,180 men, 2,080 women

Diversity: 42%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,147

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

436 men, 711 women

Diversity: 44%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

11 men, 15 women

Diversity: 59%

PT Continuing

1,121

Part-time continuing students

425 men, 696 women

Diversity: 44%

PT Transfer

144

Part-time transfer students

50 men, 94 women

Diversity: 44%

PT Continuing

977

Part-time other continuing

375 men, 602 women

Diversity: 43%

PT Non-Degree

2,113

Part-time non-degree seeking

744 men, 1,369 women

Diversity: 41%

PT Graduate

1,425

Part-time graduate students

525 men, 900 women

Diversity: 37%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

10,978

White

1,179

Black/African American

891

Hispanic/Latino

531

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 42% Minority Students: 18%

Graduate students

1,669

White

230

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 39% Minority Students: 16%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Western Kentucky University

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Western Kentucky University's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 16,759 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (67.6%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.

• Academic Intensity: 13,270 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 49% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

2707450111

Address

1906 College Heights Blvd

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials