Do I need to take the ACT or SAT to get a scholarship at WKU?

Only if you want the top tier ($7,500/year), which requires a 30+ ACT or 1360 SAT combined with a 3.80–4.00 GPA. All other automatic merit scholarship tiers (3.00–3.79 GPA) require no test score.

Is the Academic Scholarship available to out-of-state students?

Yes. WKU states 'Students with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA (regardless of their state of residency) qualify for Academic Scholarships.'

What GPA do I need to keep (renew) my Academic Scholarship?

A minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA at the end of the spring semester for most Academic and Supplemental Scholarships. The Cherry Presidential Scholarship requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The Gatton/Craft Academy Scholarship requires a 3.0 collegiate GPA.

How long can I receive the Academic Scholarship?

Up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study, or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.

Is a FAFSA required for merit scholarships?

FAFSA is not explicitly required for the automatic Academic Scholarships (GPA/test based). However, FAFSA is required for the Hilltopper Guarantee (which depends on Pell and CAP grant eligibility) and for most need-based components. WKU recommends completing the FAFSA by April 1 for best CAP grant eligibility.

Western Kentucky· Renewal Rules

Keeping Western Kentucky’s Merit Aid for Four Years

What the financial-aid office actually requires after freshman year: minimum GPA, credit-hour pace, and the cliffs that quietly downgrade families mid-degree.

Verified Jun 20268 days ago· COWORK

At a glance

Renewable tiers: 18 of 18
One-time tiers: 0
Tiers with published renewal terms: 18
Renewal risk profile: moderate

Renewal risk profile

Western Kentucky's renewal bar is achievable for steady students but isn't generous. Most awards require a cumulative GPA in the 3.0–3.4 band plus full-time enrollment. Audit the strictest tier on this school's list before assuming the four-year value is locked in.

Academic Scholarship — Tier 1 (3.80–4.00 GPA + 30 ACT / 1360 SAT): Full-time enrollment
Academic Scholarship — Tier 2 (3.80–4.00 GPA, no test score required): Full-time enrollment
Academic Scholarship — Tier 3 (3.50–3.79 GPA): Full-time enrollment
Academic Scholarship — Tier 4 (3.30–3.49 GPA): Full-time enrollment
Academic Scholarship — Tier 5 (3.00–3.29 GPA): Full-time enrollment
Cherry Presidential Scholarship (Competitive): Full-time enrollment
Transfer Base Award — Tier 1 (3.8+ GPA): See notes
Transfer Base Award — Tier 2 (3.5–3.799 GPA): See notes
Transfer Base Award — Tier 3 (3.0–3.499 GPA): See notes
Border State Scholarship (Out-of-State — Residents of TN, IN, OH, IL, WV, VA, MO): Full-time enrollment
Hilltopper Guarantee Scholarship (Kentucky Residents — Last-Dollar Tuition Coverage): Full-time enrollment
Supplemental Scholarship — Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program: See notes
Supplemental Scholarship — KY Governor's School for the Arts / Entrepreneurs; Rogers Scholars; National Merit & Achievement Semi-Finalists: See notes
Gatton Academy at WKU / Craft Academy Graduate Scholarship: See notes
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Scholarship (Out-of-State — Non-Border-State): See notes
WKU Family Scholarship (Out-of-State — WKU Alumni Children/Grandchildren): See notes
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship (Add-On for Transfer Students): See notes
KCTCS Employee Transfer Scholarship: Full-time enrollment

Renewal terms by tier

Academic Scholarship — Tier 1 (3.80–4.00 GPA + 30 ACT / 1360 SAT)
$7,500 per year | $30,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: 3.80–4.00 unweighted cumulative high school GPA GPA · 1360 (superscores not considered) SAT · 30+ composite (superscores not considered) ACT
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours each semester).
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627merit.php
Academic Scholarship — Tier 2 (3.80–4.00 GPA, no test score required)
$3,500 per year | $14,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: 3.80–4.00 unweighted cumulative high school GPA GPA · None required SAT · None required ACT
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours each semester).
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627merit.php
Academic Scholarship — Tier 3 (3.50–3.79 GPA)
$2,500 per year | $10,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: 3.50–3.79 unweighted cumulative high school GPA GPA · None required SAT · None required ACT
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours each semester).
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627merit.php
Academic Scholarship — Tier 4 (3.30–3.49 GPA)
$1,500 per year | $6,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: 3.30–3.49 unweighted cumulative high school GPA GPA · None required SAT · None required ACT
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours each semester).
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627merit.php
Academic Scholarship — Tier 5 (3.00–3.29 GPA)
$1,000 per year | $4,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: 3.00–3.29 unweighted cumulative high school GPA GPA · None required SAT · None required ACT
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours each semester).
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627merit.php
Cherry Presidential Scholarship (Competitive)
Up to $16,000 per year | $64,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: 3.8 unweighted high school GPA (minimum) GPA · 1360 minimum (superscores not considered) SAT · 30 composite minimum (superscores not considered) ACT
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. NOTE: Renewal GPA cliff is 3.0, higher than the 2.5 required for regular Academic Scholarships.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627cherry.php
Transfer Base Award — Tier 1 (3.8+ GPA)
$4,000 per year
Entry requirements: 3.8+ cumulative GPA at regionally accredited institution GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (at the end of the Spring semester). Students who fail to meet 2.50 can use summer term to bring GPA up. Renewable for three (3) years or until completion of first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Not applicable if receiving a full tuition scholarship, waiver, or discount.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/transfer.php
Transfer Base Award — Tier 2 (3.5–3.799 GPA)
$3,000 per year
Entry requirements: 3.5–3.799 cumulative GPA at regionally accredited institution GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (at the end of the Spring semester). Renewable for three (3) years or until completion of first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/transfer.php
Transfer Base Award — Tier 3 (3.0–3.499 GPA)
$1,500 per year
Entry requirements: 3.0–3.499 cumulative GPA at regionally accredited institution GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 (at the end of the Spring semester). Renewable for three (3) years or until completion of first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/transfer.php
Border State Scholarship (Out-of-State — Residents of TN, IN, OH, IL, WV, VA, MO)
Amount varies — scholarship ensures final tuition charges do not exceed the in-state tuition rate
Entry requirements: No specific GPA stated; must be admitted and enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627border.php
Hilltopper Guarantee Scholarship (Kentucky Residents — Last-Dollar Tuition Coverage)
Varies — last-dollar guarantee of 100% tuition coverage (tuition only, not fees/housing/meals/books)
Entry requirements: Minimum 3.0 high school unweighted/cumulative GPA GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester) and continued Pell and CAP Grant eligibility. Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627hilltopper.php
Supplemental Scholarship — Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program
$1,500 per year | $6,000 total over four years (limited number of full-tuition scholarships as funds allow)
Entry requirements: Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/2627awards/2627supplemental.php
Supplemental Scholarship — KY Governor's School for the Arts / Entrepreneurs; Rogers Scholars; National Merit & Achievement Semi-Finalists
$1,500 per year | $6,000 total over four years
Entry requirements: Minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshmen-2627.php
Gatton Academy at WKU / Craft Academy Graduate Scholarship
Full In-State Tuition Scholarship
Entry requirements: 3.00 collegiate GPA for renewal GPA
To keep it: Requires a 3.00 collegiate GPA for renewal. If selected as a Cherry Presidential Scholarship recipient, original offer upgraded to Cherry Presidential not to exceed four (4) semesters.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshmen-2627.php
Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) Scholarship (Out-of-State — Non-Border-State)
Amount varies — scholarship ensures final tuition charges do not exceed the TIP tuition rate
To keep it: Most supplemental scholarships renew automatically with a 2.50 collegiate GPA until the earlier of four years or receipt of a bachelor's degree.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshmen-2627.php
WKU Family Scholarship (Out-of-State — WKU Alumni Children/Grandchildren)
Amount varies — scholarship ensures final tuition charges do not exceed the in-state tuition rate
To keep it: Most supplemental scholarships renew automatically with a 2.50 collegiate GPA until the earlier of four years or receipt of a bachelor's degree.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/freshmen-2627.php
Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarship (Add-On for Transfer Students)
$1,500 per year
Entry requirements: Must be receiving a WKU Transfer Scholarship GPA
To keep it: Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the Spring semester). Renewable for three (3) years or until completion of first bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Not applicable if receiving a full tuition scholarship, waiver, or discount.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/transfer.php
KCTCS Employee Transfer Scholarship
50% of WKU tuition charges and course fees
Entry requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for renewal GPA
To keep it: Renewable if student is a full-time KCTCS employee, has minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and submits Employment Verification Form each academic term. Cannot receive any other WKU Transfer Scholarships simultaneously. Not applicable if receiving a full tuition scholarship, waiver, or discount.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/financialaid/scholarships/transfer.php

How families lose this aid

Assuming the renewal GPA for all scholarships is 2.5
The Cherry Presidential Scholarship requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA for renewal — higher than the 2.5 required for regular Academic and Supplemental Scholarships. The Gatton/Craft Academy Scholarship also requires 3.0 for renewal. Falling below the applicable threshold means loss of the scholarship.
Assuming Academic Scholarships always require ACT/SAT scores
Only the top tier ($7,500/year) requires a 30+ ACT or 1360 SAT. All other tiers (Tiers 2–5, covering $1,000–$3,500/year) require only a minimum unweighted GPA — no test score required.
Believing the $7,500 award is available to students with only a 3.8 GPA but no ACT score
The 3.80–4.00 GPA range has TWO tiers: $7,500/year requires BOTH the GPA AND a 30+ ACT (or 1360 SAT); the same GPA without a qualifying test score earns only $3,500/year.
Thinking scholarship amounts apply to part-time students
All Academic, Cherry Presidential, Supplemental, Transfer Base, and Border State scholarships require full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours per semester). Students dropping below full-time status risk losing the award for that semester.

Renewal questions families ask

Do I need to take the ACT or SAT to get a scholarship at WKU?: Only if you want the top tier ($7,500/year), which requires a 30+ ACT or 1360 SAT combined with a 3.80–4.00 GPA. All other automatic merit scholarship tiers (3.00–3.79 GPA) require no test score.
Is the Academic Scholarship available to out-of-state students?: Yes. WKU states 'Students with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA (regardless of their state of residency) qualify for Academic Scholarships.'
What GPA do I need to keep (renew) my Academic Scholarship?: A minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA at the end of the spring semester for most Academic and Supplemental Scholarships. The Cherry Presidential Scholarship requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA. The Gatton/Craft Academy Scholarship requires a 3.0 collegiate GPA.
How long can I receive the Academic Scholarship?: Up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study, or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever comes first.
Is a FAFSA required for merit scholarships?: FAFSA is not explicitly required for the automatic Academic Scholarships (GPA/test based). However, FAFSA is required for the Hilltopper Guarantee (which depends on Pell and CAP grant eligibility) and for most need-based components. WKU recommends completing the FAFSA by April 1 for best CAP grant eligibility.

Rules that bite at Western Kentucky

The renewal trip wires we'd flag in a custom playbook, derived from Western Kentucky's own tier rules and not generic advice.

renewalAcademic Scholarship — Tier 1 (3.80–4.00 GPA + 30 ACT / 1360 SAT): renewal floor that quietly knocks awards out
Automatically renewable with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (at the end of the spring semester). Renewable for up to eight (8) semesters of full-time undergraduate study or until receipt of a bachelor's degree, whichever occurs first. Requires full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours each semester). A single rough term can end a four-year award here without warning if the GPA floor isn't met cumulatively.

How Western Kentucky compares across our verified dataset

669 of 751 verified schools publish at least one four-year renewable merit award.
Western Kentucky is one of them. The cohort minority (82 schools) only awards one-year scholarships, which means the four-year value families assume on a brochure quote isn't guaranteed at every school.
133 of 751 verified schools publish a dedicated National Merit Finalist package.
Western Kentucky is one of them. NMF packages typically carry their own stacking and renewal carve-outs separate from the standard automatic merit ladder; confirm those before assuming the headline NMF value is final.

Sources used on this page

Every renewal claim is checked against Western Kentucky’s own published materials.