Financial Information

Tuition & Fees

https://www.wku.edu/billing/
billing@wku.edu
Potter Hall 208
(270) 745-6381 Phone | (270) 745-6584 Fax

Quoted tuition and fees are subject to change by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education or Western Kentucky University. Refer to Tuition and Fees for current rate information.

Tuition

	Per Semester1	Cost Per Credit Hour1
Resident		$607
Non-Resident (Domestic)		$917
Non-Resident (International)		$953
Military Veteran/Dependent Resident		$607
Active Military (Excluding Doctoral Programs)		$250
P-12 Educator		$350
Local Government Employee Discount Program		$500
Distance Learning (Excluding Ky Educator, Local Government Employee Discount Program, DNP & DPT)		$707
WKU On Demand		$707
Doctor of Educational Leadership, Resident		$607
Doctor of Educational Leadership, Military Veteran/Dependent Resident		$607
Doctor of Educational Leadership, Non-Resident (Domestic)		$917
Doctor of Educational Leadership, Non-Resident (International)		$953
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Resident		$663
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Non-Resident		$858
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Resident		$643
Doctor of Physical Therapy, Non-Resident		$909
Doctor of Psychology, Resident		$620
Doctor of Psychology, Military Veteran/Dependent Resident		$620
Doctor of Psychology, Non-Resident (Domestic)		$917
Doctor of Psychology, Non-Resident (International)		$953

¹

Graduate tuition and fees are assessed per credit hour based upon the course (i.e. on-campus or distance learning). There is no full-time graduate rate.

Included within the above rates are a $218 Student Athletic Fee, $62 Student Centers Fee, $70 Dero Downing Student Union renovation fee, and $30 Parking Structure Fee, Creason. The fees are prorated to part-time graduate students on a per hour basis. These fees do not apply to the Distance Learning rates or P-12 Educator.

The Distance Learning Course rate is for all part-time students, regardless of residency, enrolling in on-line, web-based courses. Students enrolled exclusively in distance learning courses will be assessed the distance learning per hour rate regardless of the number of hours enrolled. There is no full-time distance learning rate.

Residency

The determination of residency for admission and tuition assessment is governed by state regulation 13 KAR 2:045.  As required by this regulation, WKU also has an approved Residency Policy.

Graduate students who are residents of Macon, Robertson, and Sumner counties in Tennessee are eligible to pay in-state tuition by virtue of a reciprocity agreement. Additionally, Kentucky, along with 14 other southern states, participates in the Academic Common Market -- an interstate agreement for sharing non-duplicate academic programs. A resident of an Academic Common Market state who has gained admission into a qualifying program can enroll and pay Kentucky resident tuition upon certification by their state's Academic Common Market coordinator. 

Program Fees and Expenses

It is the responsibility of the student to consult with the appropriate department/school about potential expenses required for program completion. Examples of expenses for various programs include, but are not limited to criminal background checks and drug testing, liability insurance, certifications, training seminars, transportation, specialized equipment rental, licensure exam fees, and so forth.

Doctoral Program Fees

In addition to the program tuition rates, students must pay the following doctoral fees:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN-DNP Concentration), $221 per credit hour
Doctor of Physical Therapy, $300 per semester
Doctor of Psychology, $207 per credit hour

Course Fees

Occasionally an additional fee is charged for a specific course. Refer to the Course Fees Chart.

Schedule Change Fee

A $50 schedule change fee will be assessed per course for student-initiated schedule changes. Effective dates for the fee are printed in each term's Registration Guide.

Late Registration Fee

Students who delay their registration until the first day of class or thereafter will be assessed an additional $50 late registration fee.

Application for Graduation Fee

Candidates for graduate degrees and certificates must complete the Application for Graduation available through TopNet and pay the appropriate fee the semester prior to program completion. The fee covers the cost of cap and gown, diploma, and other necessary expenses.  Applications not received by the Registrar's Office by the due date will result in the omission of the student's name from the commencement booklet. Degrees are conferred in December, May, and August. Commencement ceremonies are held in May and December. August graduates may participate in either the preceding May or following December commencement ceremony.

Transcript Fee

A $10.00 fee is charged for an official transcript. Official transcripts may be ordered through the Office of the Registrar.

Payment

Student Billing & Account Services
billing@wku.edu
(270) 745-6381
Potter Hall, Room 208
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Summer hours may vary)

All tuition, housing fees, course or laboratory fees, meal charges, and other assessments are due and payable in accordance with the statements rendered by the appropriate university office. Tuition, housing fees, meal plans and other student charges must be paid on the date a student registers or on other dates as specified by the Office of Student Billing & Account Services. Payment of fees will not be deferred, unless the student participates in one of the approved payment plans as described below.

The University expects the students to be financially responsible and not be delinquent in financial obligations to the University or to any department or division of the University. If a student registers and decides not to attend, the student must withdraw from all classes prior to the first day of classes on TopNet or by notifying the Office of the Registrar in writing to ensure that the student will not owe tuition and late payment fees and receive “F” grades. The student is responsible for his or her own enrollment status. A student who fails to meet a financial obligation by the due date of the notice from the appropriate university official will be subject to regulations promulgated by the University. If the student does not settle the obligation by the date designated on the notice, the appropriate business office shall notify the University Registrar. After the University Registrar has been notified that a student is delinquent, the University Registrar shall not allow the student to register or to obtain a diploma until the University Registrar has been notified that the obligation has been settled.

The University expects all students to register for classes and pay tuition prior to the first day of class. A late payment charge of $100 may be assessed for failure to pay by the designated due date. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the student of the obligation to pay tuition and fees by the due date. The University does not mail printed billing statements. All billing is electronic with students receiving notifications through their university-assigned e-mail addresses. As an added service, students can also select a billing e-mail address via TopNet so they can have their account statements sent to an additional e-mail address.

In the event that any tuition, fees and/or expenses are not paid when due, and the University undertakes collection of any unpaid portion, the student shall also be assessed and be responsible for any collection costs and/or fees associated with the collection of the debt including but not limited to: collection agency fees, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the debt, reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs and all other charges allowed by law. Delinquent accounts receivable are placed with a collection agency and/or the Kentucky Department of Revenue and collection fees will be added, increasing the amount owed. Accounts will also be reported to the National Credit Bureaus.

Payment Options

Careful financial planning is crucial to affording college today. Western Kentucky University knows the importance of providing options that will help conveniently manage education expenses. If you need additional assistance or wish to contact the University about payment options, please email or call the Office of Student Billing & Account Services, (270) 745-6381. Additional information is located at wku.edu/billing.

The below information provides the different payment options available at Western Kentucky University, including monthly payment plan options and credit card options (with a convenience fee) administered for us by Nelnet Campus Commerce.

Payment using cash, check or money order.

• Log in to TopNet and select the student Services tab, select Pay Tuition and Fees, select Pay Now.
• In person, at the Student Billing & Account Services, Room 208 Potter Hall. 
• Mail check payments to the university's bank-processing center at: Western Kentucky University, P.O. Box 890784, Charlotte, NC  28289-0784
• Payments being sent by overnight/express (such as Fed-Ex, etc.) should be sent directly to:  Office of Student Billing & Account Services, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd #11022, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1022.
• Mail the bottom portion of your invoice with your check or money order. Please make sure your student identification number is written on the check or money order. Always allow at least seven to ten business days when paying by mail. Please do not mail cash.
• Payments must be made in US dollars drawn on a US bank. All checks should be made payable to: Western Kentucky University.

Payment using Credit Cards or Electronic Payments from Checking or Savings Account

• Log in to TopNet and select the student Services tab, Pay Tuition and Fees, Pay Now.
• Pay online at wku.edu/billing and select 'Make a Payment Online'. 
• Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover® and American Express® are accepted.
• If you choose to use a credit card, a fully disclosed processing free of approximately 2.85% of the amount of payment will apply. (Fee covers administrative expenses and is not shared with WKU.)
• Free electronic debit from checking or savings is available.
• Because of high service and processing costs, the Office of Student Billing & Account Services does not accept credit cards as a method to pay student account charges such as tuition, fees, room and board. We believe the savings realized by the University can be better utilized for academic endeavors. Credit cards will continue to be accepted at campus locations other than the Office of Student Billing & Account Services.  

Payment Plans

Western Kentucky University offers interest-free monthly payment plans through our partnership with Nelnet Campus Commerce. Students and their parents have the option of choosing a semester payment plan for the current semester in which the student is enrolled. Payment plans are not available for the winter or summer terms.

For the Fall 2024 semester, we will offer the following interest-free payment plans.  

5-pay – Payments due June 1, July 1, August 1, September 1, and October 1.
4-pay – Payments due July 1, August 1, September 1, and October 1.
3-pay – Payments due August 1, September 1, and October 1.
2-pay – Payments due September 1 and October 1. 

For the Spring 2025 semester, we will offer the following interest-free payment plans.

5-pay – Payments due November 1, December 1, January 1, February 1, and March 1.
4-pay – Payments due December 1, January 1, February 1, and March 1.
3-pay – Payments due January 1, February 1, and March 1.
2-day – Payments due February 1 and March 1.

• $45 enrollment fee per semester. Additional charges may apply. Please refer to your payment plan's Terms and Conditions during enrollment. 
• To enroll, log in to TopNet and select the Student Services tab, click on Pay Tuition and Fees and then select Pay Now. 
• Automatic monthly payments from either a credit/debit card or checking/savings account are required. 
  • ​Students: If someone is paying on your behalf, you MUST first set them up as an Authorized Payer. 
  • Once your profile is set up, you can enroll in a payment plan, make a payment, or set up an authorized payer who can create a plan for your balance.
  • ​Authorized Payers: If you are paying on behalf of the student, the student MUST set up their account first and then add you as an Authorized Payer. 
    • ​If you have used Nelnet before, simply Sign in to manage your account. 
    • If you are new to Nelnet, click on the "Create a username & password" button to create an online account. 

Depository (Drop Box)

Your payment may be placed in one of our two depository boxes. During regular business hours, you may place your payment in the depository box located next to the Student Billing & Account Services payment window on the second floor of Potter Hall. If you cannot make it during regular business hours, the other box is located outside of the second floor entrance of Potter Hall.  The depositories are emptied daily. Always include the bottom portion of your e-bill invoice statement with your check or money order when using the depository. It is important that your student identification number is written on the check or money order.  Please allow two to three business days for depository payments to post to your account. Please do not place cash in the depository.

International Payments (Flywire)

Western Kentucky University has partnered with Flywire to offer an innovative and streamlined way to make a payment from your home country. Founded by a former international student, Flywire’s mission is to save money for international students and their families that would otherwise be lost on bank fees and unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

With Flywire, international students receive the following benefits:

• excellent foreign exchange rates, allowing payments to be made in a student’s home currency (generally).
• payment tracking through the transfer process via a student dashboard.
• email confirmation when payment is received by the school.
• fast and secure payments.
• assurance that the exact payment amount sent is the same amount received by the University (no hidden bank fees).
• options may include bank transfer, debit/credit card in your home currency, electronic payment, or other local options.

To initiate a payment through Flywire, please visit https://wku.flywire.com.

Flywire Customer Support Information:

Phone: (617) 207-7076
US Toll-Free: 1-800-346-9252
support@Flywire.com
No matter your time zone, Flywire will have a dedicated multilingual customer support team available to you via live chat, email and phone to answer any of your questions.

Tuition and Fee Refund Policy

Tuition refunds or reductions in outstanding fee liabilities for students who officially withdraw through the Registrar's Office or TopNet, or who change their status from full-time to part-time or further reduce their part-time status through drop/add, will be made according to the posted Refund Policy and schedules.  The refund percentage is applied to the number of credit hours dropped, not the dollar amount of the tuition and fees assessed.  The refund policy is subject to change based upon federal regulations or by Western Kentucky University without prior notice.

Refund Choices via BankMobile Disbursements

Western Kentucky University delivers refunds and student payroll funds to students with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. All refunds are disbursed through BankMobile Disbursements.

To choose your university refund preference, sign in at my.wku.edu, select BankMobile under Campus Information.

The University will not issue refund checks, so students must choose an option for receiving any refunds due to them. The funds are sent from the university to BMTX, Inc. who then disburses the refunds according to the choice the student has made. For questions about the refund process, please email or call the Refund Office, (270) 745-5551.

Graduate Assistantships

www.wku.edu/graduate/aid
graduate.school@wku.edu
Graduate Studies
Wetherby Administration Building 207
(270) 745-2446

Programs of graduate study are designed to transform students into knowledgeable practitioners and/or professional scholars. Graduate assistantship appointments do not constitute a contract of employment. Assistantships are awards given to our most outstanding students. The assistantship provides necessary support for graduate students to complete their degree program. Research, teaching, and related activities conducted by graduate assistants are a required and essential part of their degree program. Assistantships are designed to enhance the educational experience of graduate students and increase their competitiveness for doctoral programs and/or careers.

The graduate assistant is first and foremost a graduate student.  As a student, the graduate assistant must be a student in good academic standing and be making significant progress toward completion of their graduate degree.  The student as a graduate assistant is directed and mentored by a faculty member.

Graduate Assistantship appointments available are:

1. Graduate Assistant Instructor (GAI) – GAI Faculty are defined as graduate students of WKU who have completed 18 hours of graduate coursework in the discipline in which they will be assigned to teach and have completed the Graduate Assistant Teaching Institute (GATI) or similar college/department faculty training program as reviewed/approved by the Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning and the Executive Director of Graduate Studies. GATI or similar training program coursework must be cataloged by the WKU Office of the Registrar and appear on the graduate student’s official Western Kentucky University transcript. GAIs are contracted to develop and/or teach courses for academic credit (as determined by the hiring department) on an as needed basis in accordance with enrollment, academic programming needs and available resources. (See Academic Affairs Policy 1.1122)
2. Graduate General Assistantship (GGA) – A Graduate General Assistant engages in scholarly activity in a capacity related to their degree program, but not defined as research or teaching.
3. Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) – A Graduate Research Assistant conducts research/scholarly activities under the guidance and direction of a faculty member. The Graduate Research Assistant develops and applies conceptual and theoretical ideas, practices, or methods to their discipline-based scholarship.
4. Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) – A Graduate Teaching Assistant provides direct support for the teaching mission of the unit. Graduate Teaching Assistants may serve as discussion leaders, graders, leaders of laboratory sections, and may assist in capacities such as preparation of assignments, and other administrative duties necessary for course instruction. 

Requirements for Appointment

Students wishing to apply for an assistantship should contact their academic department. The following general requirements must be met for consideration as a graduate assistant:

1. Graduate assistants must be enrolled in a graduate degree program.  Non-degree graduate students and graduate students in a certification or certificate program only are not eligible for assistantships or tuition remission. 
2. Graduate assistants are eligible for tuition remission.
3. Graduate assistants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 at the time of admission.
4. Graduate assistants must carry a minimum of 6 credits during each semester they receive an assistantship unless they are in the final semester of their degree program.  (Enrollment in 6 credit hours constitutes part-time status enrollment; full-time status requires 9-15 hours of enrollment.)
5. Graduate assistants must dedicate a minimum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 20 hours per week during Fall and Spring semesters.
6. The combined load of teaching responsibilities and graduate course enrollment may not exceed 15 hours per semester.  Teaching responsibilities may not exceed 6 hours.
7. During the summer term, graduate assistants must be enrolled in at least 1 hour of graduate credit during any summer session.
8. Graduate Assistant Instructors (GAI) must complete the Graduate Assistant Teaching Institute (GATI) offered through the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL), or a similar departmentally-administered program approved by the CITL.
9. Graduate Assistant Instructors (GAI) must receive regular in-service training, which may be completed by participation in seminars offered by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) or with departmentally-based mentoring to assist the student in the teaching process.
10. Students must complete a Graduate assistantship agreement form with approval from the faculty member directing the assistantship, the hiring department chair, and the academic department chair (if different than the hiring department) granting the assistantship.

To receive maximum consideration, and prevent delay of stipend payment and posting of tuition scholarship, the agreement form should be received in Graduate Studies by deadline dates posted on the Graduate Studies website.

Continuation

Graduate assistants may be appointed for one academic year or for one semester with the possibility of renewal.  Continuation of the assistantship is contingent upon the following:

1. Satisfactory progress toward the degree
2. Maintaining a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA
3. Completing graduate courses at the rate expected for a full-time student
4. Fulfillment of duties as determined in the assistantship appointment
5. An approved new agreement from the department.

The progress of the graduate assistant will be evaluated at the end of each semester to determine his/her eligibility to continue in the position for the term of appointment. Academic department chairs and college deans reserve the right to recommend termination of a graduate assistantship appointment if the student is not fulfilling the terms of appointment.  The Executive Director of Graduate Studies will make the final decision on continuation and termination.

Remuneration

Graduate assistantship stipends are funded from the instructional budget of the University or from grants/contracts. Stipends are considered taxable income. The half-time (20 hours per week) assistantship generates a full stipend and the quarter-time assistantship generates a half stipend. Checks are issued monthly with students normally receiving four checks each semester. Receipt of the initial check is dependent upon when the student signs necessary tax forms in the appropriate college dean’s office.  A graduate assistant identification card (ID) card will be issued which entitles the graduate assistant to a 10% discount on most purchases at the University Bookstore, excluding food items, books, and electronics.

Tuition Remission

Graduate assistants are responsible for their in-state tuition for on campus courses and the Distance Learning Course tuition fees for any online course; however, the out-of-state and international portion of the tuition for non-resident and international students is paid by the University during the period of appointment.  In many cases the resident portion of the graduate assistant’s tuition is also paid.

Rights & Responsibilities of Graduate Assistants

Graduate assistants are expected to observe the guiding principles of the University as described in the Faculty Handbook section on ’Academic Information’, in the WKU Student Handbook, and by Graduate Studies.  In addition, the following statements of rights and responsibilities apply to graduate assistants:

1. Graduate assistants are responsible for meeting academic requirements in their respective degree programs.
2. Students are responsible for meeting the assistantship responsibilities as outlined in the Graduate assistantship Agreement.
3. Graduate assistants must attend orientations conducted by Graduate Studies, the academic college, or the department, and must participate in departmental training activities.
4. If problems or conflicts arise in the performance of duties or pursuit of the degree, the graduate assistant should discuss the situation with his/her graduate advisor. If the problem is not resolved at that level, then the problem should be taken through the following levels until a resolution is reached: the department chair, the appropriate college dean, and finally to the Executive Director of Graduate Studies.
5. The graduate assistant assumes responsibility to notify the supervisor if the term of appointment cannot be completed. A letter of resignation must be submitted to the department chair, the departmental graduate advisor, the college dean, and the Executive Director of Graduate Studies no later than two weeks before his/her leaving the position unless emergency conditions exist.  Resignation will forfeit all remaining stipend payments.
6. If an assistant is terminated before the final date of the assistantship, the graduate assistant will be notified by letter from the Executive Director of Graduate Studies no later than two weeks prior to termination.
7. The graduate assistant is invited to submit to the department chair suggestions concerning the assistantship experience during the evaluation procedure at the end of each semester.
8. All graduate assistants are expected to demonstrate personal honesty and professional integrity.

Other Graduate Student Funding