Western Kentucky University is part of the public Kentucky postsecondary education system, which includes eight four-year institutions and a community and technical college system comprised of 16 institutions. By statute, Western Kentucky University is governed by its Board of Regents.

Distance Learning (DL) at WKU offers students a variety of ways to achieve their educational objectives outside the traditional college classroom. Online Learning (OL): semester based courses and programs are offered via the Internet. Moreover, WKU offers Telecourses (TC): semester based courses viewed by streaming online video, DVD, VHS, or Cable TV (WKYU TV).

WKU’s undergraduate division provides four-year programs leading to bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of interdisciplinary studies, bachelor of science, bachelor of science in nursing and bachelor of music degrees. 79 academic majors and 84 academic minors are available. A number of professional and preprofessional curricula provide additional options.

Financial Aid
More than half of all students at Western receive some sort of financial aid through programs including scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment. All of these may be awarded in various combinations and amounts to help meet educational needs. Scholarships are available to both Freshmen and returning students and transfer students from community or junior colleges.