Information for Prospective Students
We are pleased you are interested in pursuing your studies at WKU! We have accommodations for all types of students! We look forward to meeting you and to welcoming you to the Hill!
Start Where You Are
If you are a high school graduate who will be attending college for the first time, you are considered a first-time freshman or undergraduate student. Undergraduate students are those seeking to earn bachelor's degrees. Students who participated in Dual Credit programs or earned college credit while still in high school, are still considered a First Time Freshman.
If you have attended another institution after high school graduation, then you are considered a transfer student. WKU will work with you to determine if your previously earned credits will transfer over toward degree completion at WKU. If you hold an associate’s degree from an accredited institution and are interested in completing a bachelor's degree, you are also considered a transfer student, as you will be transferring credits in that will apply toward the completion of a bachelor's degree. Please note: You must send WKU all transcripts from all schools previously attended regardless of if you wish to receive credit.
If you are currently a high school student who will be taking WKU courses before graduating high school, you are considered a Dual Credit/High School student. If you are taking courses facilitated through the WKU Dual Credit Program to receive not only college credit, but also credit towards a high school diploma you are considered a Dual Credit student. If you are taking courses at WKU while in High School as a non-degree seeking student for college credit only, you are considered a High School student.
If you are a non-U.S. citizen that holds a nonimmigrant visa (official document that allows the bearer to legally enter a country) or need an F-1 student visa to study at WKU, you are considered an international student.
Visit the WKU International Student Enrollment Management website to learn more
If you are an active-duty service person or a veteran of a branch of the United States Military, you are considered a military student. WKU has been recognized as a "Military Friendly School," and "Best for Vets," for several years running.
Visit the WKU Military Student Services website to learn more
If you are above the age of 24 and are looking to complete an undergraduate degree, you are considered an adult learner. Adult learners are students who are not participating in higher education immediately after high school, and do not fall into the typical undergraduate student age range of 18-24 years old. WKU has many flexible degree programs and accommodations to assist adults with jobs or family obligations to complete their degrees.
If you are completing a degree either online or via our WKU On Demand program, you are considered an Online/Distance Learner. Online and On Demand degree requirements are completed from home or are accessible from anywhere in the world where you might have access to the internet. WKU offers many online-only programs, and many of our campus-based programs have online components or "blended" classes, which have both online and face-to-face components.
If you have completed coursework at WKU after high school graduation in a degree seeking status and are now seeking to re-enroll, you are considered a readmit student.
If you are a student at another institution and are completing coursework at WKU as a non-degree seeking student, and plan to return to your home institution afterward, you are considered a visiting student.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT YOUR CLIMB
Advising | Career Development | Graduate Assistantships
WKU Department of Student Financial Assistance is pleased to welcome you to WKU! The resources found within this website will assist you with questions you may have about the Financial Aid process, scholarships and aid available at WKU, and provide you with helpful checklists and timelines you will need throughout your time as a student at WKU.
The Student Employment Program at Western Kentucky University provides employment opportunities for students who are in need of part-time employment as they pursue a course of study at the University. The program is also designed to assist University departments in meeting their objectives through the use of qualified student employees.
The Mahurin Honors College at WKU is a leader in honors education for academically talented, creative, and high-achieving students. They foster excellence in all forms of expression through research and experiential learning, critical thinking, active citizenship, and international engagement.
Within the Mahurin Honors College, the Office of Scholar Development helps students apply for nationally competitive scholarships by assisting students in finding opportunities to be engaged in their chosen fields beyond the classroom and aiding them in the process of finding the right programs, making important contacts, developing strong proposals, and revising numerous drafts.
Photo: Rush Robinson, Mahurin Honors student, Junior from Benton, KY
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