INVEST IN THE success of WKU STUDENT-ATHLETES

Since 1965, the HAF has served as the financial lifeblood for WKU Athletics helping to fund the overall student-athlete experience at Western Kentucky University.

Your donation matters

Donations through the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation go to support the overall experience for the student-athletes who represent WKU. Funds generated through HAF go to help offset scholarship funding and support the general operating budget of WKU Athletics.”

While it is true that support of the HAF offers an opportunity for priority seating, access to premium amenities & parking, and other special perks, as an investor in our Foundation, it is about more than just the benefits. Your support allows our students to be true ambassadors for the University – competing as CHAMPIONS in the classroom and in competition!

Investing in our student athletes

WKU Athletics prides itself on being the front porch to the University. Teams provide national visibility to our institution, enhance the collegiate experience, and impact our community.

Your investment in the HAF helps fund
book icon
STUDENT-ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIPS- TUITION, ROOM & BOARD
ACADEMIC AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
COACHES & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Program operations
facility enhancements / upgrades
cost of attendance

The Cost of Excellence

Donations through the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation go to support the overall experience for the student-athletes who represent WKU. The cost of the student-athlete experience at WKU has risen over thirty four percent in the past five years. Your support matters in delivering a world-class experience to our students and allowing them to give their best in competition and the classroom!

$
10202
titles & Fees
$
25512
out-of-state tuition
$
9000
room & board
$
1000
Books & Supplies
$
1898
equipment
$
2446
medical insurance

The average student-athletes cost is

$24546 - $39856

Why your support matters

With support from the state lower than ever, every gift allows us to continue our success and gives the experience of a Western Kentucky University education to our deserving student-athletes. Falling well below the Conference USA averages for budget and student-fee allocation, WKU student-athletes have outperformed all other schools in the conference by bringing home 24 Conference USA titles since joining the league in 2014.

C-USA OPERATING BUDGETS BY SCHOOLS

$40M
$35M
$30M
$25M
$20M
$15M
$37.14M
$34.52M
$32.53M
$29.92M
$28.54M
$28.29M
$27.11M
$26.97M
$25.90M
$25.79M
$23.41M
$23.30M

$23.82M
$17.60M
Average - $27.53M

C-USA STUDENT ACTIVITY FEES BY SCHOOLS

$25M
$20M
$15M
$10M
$5M
$23.51M
$20.61M
$20.34M
$11.80M
$11.50M
$11.40M
6.80M
$6.20M
$6.10M
$5.30M
$4.10M

$2.20M
Average - $9.30M
(Two universities do not receive funds via student fees.)

C-USA CHAMPIONSHIPS BY SCHOOL SINCE WKU JOINED C-USA IN JULY 2014

25
20
15
10
5
24

12
11
9
8
8
6
6
6
5
4
4
4
3
Average - 9

WHat others say about the hilltopper athltic foundation

Mary Joiner
Lady Topper Golf
“Without obtaining a scholarship to WKU, I would have never been able to have such amazing experiences, meet so many great people, and accomplish so many things. The Hilltopper Athletic Foundation gave me the opportunities of a lifetime on the course and in the classroom. The ability to graduate debt-free will benefit me the rest of my life, and I am so thankful and proud to be a WKU student-athlete.”
Jordan thomas
Softball
“Coming to WKU to further both my education and softball career has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Thanks to the support of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation members, I’ve had an opportunity that some people only dream of. Western Kentucky University will be a place I call home long after my four years on campus.”
Sherry Porter
Lady Topper Basketball
“Having the opportunity to play here at WKU means the world to me, and it would not have been possible without support from members of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation members. Being able to have a strong four-year education in addition to playing college basketball was one of the main reasons I decided to become a Lady Topper, and I am proud to represent WKU Athletics on the court, in the classroom and in the community.”
Aleksanra Kozovic
Lady Topper Soccer
“Being an international student, having a scholarship funded by the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation and its members has made it possible for me to attend WKU and have some of the best experiences of my life. Every time that we are on the field, I am thankful to be able to represent WKU alongside my coaches and teammates. Without the Foundation’s support, none of this would have been possible.”
Seth Joest
Football
“The opportunity to play college football at the highest level while also earning my college degree is a blessing afforded to me thanks to the members of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation. Without their contributions, many of the opportunities we have as student-athletes would not be possible.”
Ray Zuberer III
Baseball
“If I didn’t receive a scholarship I would only be able to attend WKU for one or two years because it would be difficult to pay all four years without any scholarship money. Honestly, I would probably be back in Owensboro right now working if it wasn’t for my scholarship. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend WKU and play baseball here.”

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