Western Michigan University
About Western Michigan University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
WMU is a public research university in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It offers programs in aviation, engineering, business, and health sciences and operates the College of Aviation, one of the top flight schools in the country.
Founded
1903
Location
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Students
16,285
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
84.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
57.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$15,252
Out-of-state: $19,034
Avg Net Price
$15,273
After financial aid
SAT Average
1100
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,562
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$40
Early
Dec 15
Regular
Jul 28
Western Michigan University accepts the majority of applicants at 84.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1100/ 1600
ACT Scores
24/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
57.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
81.1%
4-Year Grad
28%
6-Year Grad
56%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
63.2%
$/Student
$13.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 28% graduation rate is below average, but 81.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$15,252
In-State
$19,034
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,174
Books & Supplies
$1,128
Total Cost of Attendance
$29,237
After Financial Aid
$15,273
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$5,263
Receive Grants
26.8%
Take Loans
47.1%
The total cost of attendance runs about $29,237/yr, including $12,174 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,273.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Michigan University fund their education.
While in School
26.8%
Get Grants
Free money
47.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,033
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,188
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$278/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,188 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $54K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Michigan University.
Gender
51.6%
Female
48%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
12,568
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
3,717
Graduates
29.3%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
9.4%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (52% women, 48% men). 29.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
12,568
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Michigan University fields 11 varsity teams with 435 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mid-American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
435
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
233
Men
202
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Michigan Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,562
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$51K
237 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$53K
227 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$56K
213 grads
1yr Earnings
Air Transportation
$35K
207 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$47K
177 grads
1yr Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$39K
171 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $45K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Michigan University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Michigan University?▾
How much does Western Michigan University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Michigan University?▾
How much do Western Michigan University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.