WKU Residency Information

The WKU Office of Admissions is responsible for making residency determinations for all undergraduate students, based on the approved university Student Residency Policy. (Note: residency questions for graduate students should be directed to the Graduate School.)

The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) is responsible for the establishment of criteria for determining residency in the state of Kentucky for tuition purposes. All residency decisions are governed by Administrative Regulation 13 KAR 2:045. 

At Western Kentucky University, a residency determination is made based on information supplied by each applicant or admission. In general, in-state residence for tuition purposes requires domicile and legal residency in Kentucky prior to enrollment. Upon acceptance to the university, undergraduate students are informed of the residency decision via the personalized profile sheet that accompanies each admission letter.

A student’s residency remains unchanged unless a residency change request is initiated by the student, or an audit reveals an incorrect classification.

New, incoming undergraduate students who believe their residency has been incorrectly determined should follow the steps outlined on the profile sheet for correcting any invalid information. 

Currently-enrolled undergraduate students must schedule an interview with the WKU Registrar to begin the reclassification process. Upon the conclusion of the interview, the residency reclassification form will be provided. 

All residency determinations will be made based on the comparison of the residency affidavit with 13 KAR 2:045. All residency decisions will be provided in writing to the applicant. Applicants can petition for reclassification once per semester. Residency reclassifications cannot be applied retroactively.

For further information, contact the Office of Admissions at 270-745-2551, or visit the CPE Student Residency site.