Western Kentucky University's Fall 2027 automatic scholarships pay $1,000 to $3,500 a year based on unweighted GPA alone, for students from any state, and $7,500 a year for a 3.80+ GPA with a 30+ ACT or 1360 SAT. You need to be admitted by December 31, 2026.
Western Kentucky University uses one chart for everyone, with no resident and non-resident split. That's the opposite of the University of Kentucky, which runs separate, very different scholarships for residents and non-residents. For the basics, see what an automatic scholarship chart is.
Western Kentucky University scholarship chart (Fall 2027)
| Requirements | Annual Award | Four-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| 3.80-4.00 GPA and a 30+ ACT (or 1360 SAT) | $7,500 | $30,000 |
| 3.80-4.00 GPA (no test required) | $3,500 | $14,000 |
| 3.50-3.79 GPA (no test required) | $2,500 | $10,000 |
| 3.30-3.49 GPA (no test required) | $1,500 | $6,000 |
| 3.00-3.29 GPA (no test required) | $1,000 | $4,000 |
WKU uses your cumulative, unweighted high school GPA.
The part that surprises people: one test score more than doubles the top award
Every tier is GPA-only except the top one. A 3.80 GPA gets $3,500 a year without a test score, but the same GPA with a 30 ACT or 1360 SAT gets $7,500, an extra $16,000 over four years. That single jump is bigger than the whole gap between the bottom and the next-to-top GPA tiers. Note that superscores don't count here, so it has to be a single sitting.
Out-of-state students and the Border State Scholarship
The Academic Scholarship is the same for every state, but out-of-state students may get more on top. Residents of any state bordering Kentucky can receive the Border State Scholarship, which ensures tuition doesn't go above the in-state rate (the amount varies). Other out-of-state students who receive any WKU scholarship may get the Tuition Incentive Program Scholarship, which caps tuition at WKU's reduced TIP rate.
Deadlines and renewal
- December 31, 2026: be admitted for full scholarship consideration.
- May 1, 2027: accept the scholarship offer.
- Limited funds: WKU says offers depend on timely application and available funds.
- Renewal: most awards renew with a 2.50 overall GPA, for up to four years.
What this means for you
- A 3.80 GPA is the line that matters. It opens both the $3,500 tier and, with a 30 ACT, the $7,500 tier.
- One strong single-sitting score is worth $16,000 at a 3.80 GPA. Superscores won't help, so aim for one good test day.
- Apply before December 31. Admission by that date is required for full consideration.
- Comparing Kentucky charts? Murray State also rewards a 3.80 GPA, where a 33 ACT raises its award to $10,000 a year.
- Compare it with Kentucky and Memphis, or check all charts at once with the scholarship finder.